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Tensions Escalate as Iran Threatens to Close Strait of Hormuz
Iran is threatening to close one of the world's most important waterways, a main route for the global oil supply. The US is responding with warnings of its own.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenIran has been stepping up its threats to close one of the most important waterways in the world, the Straits of Hormuz, one of the main global routes for the world’s oil supply. The US is responding with warnings of its own. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, guest host Sara Terry explores what's really going on. Is Iran trying to deflect attention from its nuclear program? How are new regional realities, brought on by the Arab Spring, affected by tensions over Iran? Also, California redevelopment agencies lose big in state court, and a look at the year in movies and a preview of what's to come. (Thanks to KCRW volunteer Gideon Brower for special production assistance.)
Banner image: An Iranian Army soldier stands guard on a military speed boat, passing by a submarine during the 'Velayat-90' navy exercises in the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran on December 28, 2011. Photo by Ali Mohammad/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesRedevelopment Agencies Lose Big in State Court
California's redevelopment agencies lost big in court today. The state Supreme Court ruled that Governor Jerry Brown can eliminate the local agencies and use their $1.7 billion to close the state budget gap. The court also blocked a safety net measure that would have allowed the agencies to stay open with smaller budgets.
Read the story9 minTensions Escalate as Iran Threatens to Close Strait of Hormuz
The US has warned Iran that it will not tolerate interference with the Strait of Hormuz. Only 34 miles wide, 40 percent of the world's tanker-borne oil passes through it. Closure of the strait would wreak havoc on global oil markets.
Read the story31 minThe Year Past and the Year to Come in Movies
Hollywood played it safe in 2011, with a big slate of sequels and re-makes. Hollywood, studio executives thought they were in for a banner year, predicting a year-end finish with record revenues. That happy ending hasn't happened. Projected revenues for the year are actually down by four percent, and movie crowds have dipped to a 16-year low.
Read the story8 min
