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─────── June 6, 2026 ───────
Happy Saturday!
The headlines have been talking a lot about a stalled Iran peace deal and the Strait of Hormuz. And the TPO fam has been askin’ for a liiiittle more context on the strait and why a small waterway is standing between the U.S. and Middle Eastern peace.
Come along folks. Let’s take a (shallow) dive.
New here? TPO Explains does a shallow dive into your most-asked questions every Saturday.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
J.R.R. Tolkien
BREWING QUESTIONS
WHAT YOU’RE ASKING
What is the Strait of Hormuz?
We thought you’d never ask.
A strait is a narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water, typically used for shipping and navigation. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. It’s only 21 nautical miles wide at its narrowest point, bordered on the north by Iran and on the south by the UAE and Oman (check it out).
Why does the U.S. care so much about it?
Before the Iran/U.S. conflict, over 20% of the world’s oil and liquified natural gas passed through that strait. That’s roughly $600B in energy trade every year; and anywhere from 80-130 ships trafficked the Strait daily…
So, it’s not dramatic to say Hormuz is the most important maritime chokepoint (think: a passageway with no good alternative route) in the world. Controlling that strait = leverage worth its weight in gold crude oil.
Iran knows that, and a key part of their military strategy has been to choke off traffic in the strait. Those upticking gas prices? It’s because oil trade through the strait has decreased to a trickle (supply goes down, demand and prices go up).
Why’s Iran taking control now?
This isn’t their first rodeo with the Strait.
They’ve claimed authority over it since 1979, and have been threatening to shut it down for just as long, but never fully made good on that promise… until March.
So, what’s the current state of the Strait?
Almost entirely shut down.
A ceasefire brokered in April briefly reopened the Strait, but negotiations keep getting hung up because the U.S. and Iran can’t agree on particulars of Iran’s nuclear program or the Strait’s future (the U.S. says it needs to be unrestricted and Iran wants toll booth privileges).
Until a deal is reached, the Strait will likely continue to operate at a fraction of its normal traffic.
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A verse to consider whether you’re conducting high-level international diplomacy, stuck in the middle of a tense conflict at work, settling playground squabbles, or just trying to get your cat into his carrier… “Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry for help.”
Psalm 34:14–15 (CSB) (read full passage)
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HOUSE BLEND
WHAT YOU’LL ENJOY
Solving this water-themed (ish) mini crossword.
This high-speed chase is wild…
A Bible trivia game for the whole fam. The First Letter Game is a low-maintenance way to have high-quality fun at any party, gathering, or on a random Saturday night. With 100 cards and multiple ways to play, it’s designed to be played over and over again—across group sizes, ages, and knowledge levels. Don’t wait to let the fun begin!
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WHAT YOU’VE BEAN CLICKING…
Top News Article: Someone in Massachusetts captured the sound a meteor makes—a sonic double-boom.
Top Christian Perspective: This prayer for world leaders… Download, save, and share it!
Top Whipped Cream: These birds of a feather 🫶🏼
TAKE IT TO GO
WHAT WE’RE ENJOYING
For years, my dad (a pastor of 30+ years) has published The Friday Update—a collection of insights on culture, thought-provoking quotes, fascinating statistics, Biblical wisdom, and quick hits on things he’s found interesting in the last week.
I didn’t read it for a long time (it was an email from my dad…), but after giving it a shot, I’m pleased to say he seems wiser and more interesting than when I was in high school.
The Friday Update is loved by pastors, business leaders, and Mike’s son. You may enjoy it too. It’s free. Subscribe in one click and enjoy his welcome email.
Jason Woodruff | Founder
*From our partners
WHAT WE’RE PRAYING
A Prayer when Gas Prices Rise
O Lord Our Restorer, we cling to You as chaos ripples across the globe. This conflict has brought destruction to everything it touches—lands, people, governments, industries, economies—and now it is coming close to home, shaking my own family and future.
Quiet the hostilities wreaking havoc around the world. Heal those who are displaced and endangered. Comfort those who are mourning with the eternal hope of Jesus. Open doors for bold ministry in the Middle East so the saints might spread the peace of Your kingdom. Open world leaders’ lines of communication, and open blocked lines of fuel transportation.
As oil demands are steady and supply is scarce, provide for us and for our neighbors. In the waiting when we lack and in the abundance when You do provide, make us a people of contentment and gratitude for Your generous grace to us in Christ, in whom we pray. Amen.
Want more prayers to help you see the headlines from an eternal perspective? Join us in Praying the News, TPO’s new (free) Saturday newsletter.
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