U.S. MILITARY forces have resumed the Hormuz blockade (Defense Department photo).

In response to Iranian attacks on ships seeking to pass through the Straight of Hormuz, the United States has reimposed a blockade on that nation.

The Associated Press is reporting that – in turn –the Tehran government has launched retaliatory strikes on nations hosting American forces.

A tug-of-war between the U.S. and Iran over control of the straight – through which an estimated one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas pass – could lead to broader scale combat and higher prices for petroleum products such as gasoline, lubrication products and plastics.

The U.S. imposed a blockade in mid-April, then called it off in mid-June. The new blockade started on Monday. President Donald Trump also said he would put a 20 percent fee on ships passing through the straight, but dropped the plan when allies complained.

Defense spending bill is blocked

SENATE wing of the U.S Capitol building (Wikipedia).

As a protest over the war with Iran, Senate Democrats on Tuesday were able to block the annual defense policy bill.

According to The New York Times, the vote was 50-46. Republicans had the plurality, but needed 60 votes to bring the bill up for debate before the entire Senate.

The National Defense Authorization Act – which is more than $1 trillion– usually passes with bipartisan support, but the vote registered opposition to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East which flared up again this week.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said approving the act would be awarding a “permission slip for that recklessness that we see occurring on Iran.”

Spain advanced to World Cup finals

With a 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, the Spanish national team advanced to the World Cup final game.

The Spaniards will face the winner of the game between Argentina and England in the championship game on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Spanish goalie, Unai Simon, made history by playing six shutouts in the tournament. Against France, Spain got goals by Pedro Porro and Mikel Oyarzabal.

The other semifinal between England and Argentina will be played Wednesday in Atlanta.

Weather: Hot times for a few days

The West Orange County cities will get some unseasonably warm weather for a few days. The forecast for Wednesday is for a daytime high of 90 with an overnight low of 69 with mostly sunny skies. Thursday is expected to cool a bit to a high of 86 with a low of 69. Friday and Saturday are expected to have a high of 81 each day with a low of 68 with mostly sunny skies.

Great Thoughts (get inspired)

“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”
– Steve Jobs

“Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
– Samuel Beckett

“Impossible is for the unwilling.”
– John Keats.