The Strait of Hormuz Standoff: Why a 5-Day Delay Won't End the 'De Facto Blockade'

President Trump’s 5-day postponement offers a temporary pause in the energy standoff, but the 'de facto' blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains a physical barrier that naval power alone hasn't broken. (Credit: AFP News)

TEHRAN/WASHINGTON — The world caught a collective breath Monday as President Trump abruptly postponed his 48-hour Trump Iran Power Plant Ultimatum to 'obliterate' Iran's energy grid, citing 'very good and productive' conversations with Tehran.

MS NOW reports that the move comes just hours before the original March 24 Deadline Extension was set to expire, a ticking time bomb that had already sent global markets into a Black Monday tailspin and pushed oil prices toward a $150 (£111) forecast.