Syria offers land corridor as Strait of Hormuz tensions spike

Vance blames Iran for fuel prices as the U.S. death toll from strikes rises to 13.

Syria offers land corridor as Strait of Hormuz tensions spike — US Vice President JD Vance accused Iran today of causing a rise in global fuel prices, following attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. "The basic reality is that the reason fuel prices are so high right now is that the Iranians are shooting at commercial shipping," Vance said, adding that "just yesterday we moved about 15 million barrels through the Strait of Hormuz, even though the Iranians keep shooting."[^1] Vance also criticized Europe, asking "Why should only the US have to secure the energy supply?"[^2] Hours earlier, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported the deaths of six more military personnel from US strikes this week, bringing the military death toll to at least 13.[^3] The US strikes on Tuesday were the most extensive for weeks, killing three members of the paramilitary Basij on Lavan Island and four IRGC Aerospace Force members. The US has reported 18 military personnel killed and more than 750 wounded in the war.[^3] Amid the escalating crisis, Syria is offering to serve as an alternative land corridor to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. A proposed pipeline from Basra to Baniyas, led by Chevron, would have a capacity of 2 million barrels per day and cost $5.7 billion. Currently, about 5,000 oil trucks travel daily from the desert to the port of Baniyas. US special envoy Tom Barrack claimed that advancing the move could make the Strait of Hormuz a "second thought." The dilemma for Washington is whether to withdraw and allow damage to oil and gas supply, or to continue acting to prevent Iranian attacks from leading to a global energy crisis. Vance warned, "If the Iranians keep shooting at commercial ships, I think we have a responsibility to act."[^1] Yesh Atid exodus and judicial pushback — MK Karin Elharrar announced today (Thursday) that she will not run in the next Knesset elections, joining a wave of departures from Yesh Atid. She thanked party leader Yair Lapid, who brought her into the founding list 14 years ago, calling him "a true leader who sees people eye to eye."[^1] The exodus follows earlier resignations and comes as MK Ram Ben Barak, in a Radio 103