This is the Way... To Global Oil Panic? China, Iran, and a Very Narrow Strait

The Situation: I Have Spoken

Alright clan. Mando here reporting on some galactic level bantha fodder brewing on a planet called Earth. Apparently some spice must be flowing because tensions are higher than a Sarlacc pit is deep. This Secretary of State fella Marco Rubio is squawking about Iran potentially slamming shut the Strait of Hormuz. This choke point in the galaxy of oil trade is a big deal to the Chinese who are Iran's best customer for oil. Rubio is trying to get China to talk some sense into Iran. I have spoken.

Iran's Bluff: I Don't Think So

Now Iran's making noises like a cornered gundark threatening to defend their 'sovereignty' after the U.S. gave some nuclear sites a bit of a fireworks display. Their parliament's even bleating about closing the Strait. But here's the catch: the big boss man in Iran gets the final say and closing that strait is like cutting off your own arm to spite your enemy. It's economic suicide plain and simple. Even they need to move oil to survive and guess what route they are using?

Credits Gone Wild: Oil Edition

Why does all this matter? Because if that strait clogs up the price of oil could skyrocket faster than a souped up Razor Crest leaving hyperspace. We're talking over 100 credits per barrel which means everything from fuel to food gets pricier than Beskar steel. Suddenly those bounties don't seem so lucrative do they?

The U.S. Navy: The Cavalry's Here?

The good news? The U.S. Navy's got a fancy fleet parked nearby ready to rumble. Most folks think they'd mop the floor with Iran if they tried anything funny. But some eggheads are warning us not to get cocky. This Bob McNally guy says it could take weeks or months to sort out not hours. That's a long time to be without fuel especially if you're trying to outrun a bounty hunter or two.

Is This the Way... To War?

Rubio seems to think that Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz is economic suicide and that America can handle it pretty well. However in his own words he thinks such an action "would merit a response not just by us but from others." Does this suggest America has the power to respond? Yes. Does it suggest that it is in any shape to handle another war? I don't think so.

My Two Credits: Stay Vigilant

So what's the takeaway? Keep your eyes peeled your blasters charged and maybe stock up on some extra fuel. The galaxy's always throwing curveballs and this whole Strait of Hormuz kerfuffle could turn into a real mess faster than you can say 'I have spoken'. This is the way... to stay informed. And maybe find a new line of work that doesn't depend on expensive fuel. Just a thought.