Around 20% of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz - the narrow waterway between Iran and the horn-like tip of the Arabian peninsula.
Right now it is effectively closed, with Iran deciding which ships can get through, and the impact is being felt worldwide.
The BBC's Diplomatic Correspondent Paul Adams explains why navigating this key shipping channel could be so dangerous.
Watch: Fuel truck leaves trail of fire on road in Syria
Eyewitnesses captured the moment a burning fuel tanker drove through the centre of Hasakah, Syria, leaving a trail of fire behind it.
Still in shock, Beirut tries to heal after deadly Israeli attacks
BBC Middle East Correspondent Hugo Bachega hears from people affected by this week's attacks.
Watch: Pro-regime Iranians gather in Tehran
Pro-government demonstrators poured onto the streets of the Iranian capital after the announcement of the two-week conditional ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Watch: When will fuel prices go down?
The BBC's Nick Marsh takes a look at whether fuel costs will get cheaper now the US and Iran have agreed a ceasefire.
Mum of twins who says home was bombed in Lebanon speaks to BBC
More than one million people in Lebanon have been displaced since the start of the war as Israel expands its ground operation there.
'We are at the edge of a battlefield': BBC reports near Strait of Hormuz
The BBC's Orla Guerin travels to the edge of the critical waterway that Iran has put a stranglehold on.
Hundreds in Beirut mourn journalists killed in Israeli strike
BBC reports from the funerals of three journalists killed by a targeted attack in southern Lebanon.
'Our home is gone': BBC speaks to displaced families in Lebanon
The BBC's Hugo Bachega speaks to families in Beirut as more than a million people have been displaced in Lebanon.
Watch: Inside Palestinian homes attacked by settlers
Violence began after a teenage settler was killed, reportedly after being hit by a vehicle driven by a Palestinian.
Why is Israel targeting Lebanon's bridges?
Israeli forces have been instructed to destroy the crossings over the Litani river that were being used by Hezbollah to send reinforcements.
'A direct hit' - BBC visits Israeli town after Iranian strike
The BBC's Sebastian Usher reports from Dimona in southern Israel, which was hit by an Iranian missile.
Watch: Missile lands next to presenter during live report from Lebanon
In footage from Russian state broadcaster RT, correspondent Steve Sweeney is seen diving off screen as a missile hits.
At the scene of Israeli strike in the heart of Beirut
At least 10 people were killed and 27 injured, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency.
Watch: Iranians show daily life under air strikes and regime crackdown
Iranians speak about life during the war with constant threat of bombs and regime crackdowns.
How might the UK support shipping in the Strait of Hormuz?
Ben Chu from BBC Verify has been looking at what role the Royal Navy could play in the Strait of Hormuz.
Gazans urged to shelter as sandstorm turns skies orange
Displaced Palestinians were told to secure their tents to prevent them being blown away as a storm swept through the enclave.
'Kill the regime but not people': BBC speaks to Iranians crossing into Turkey
Dan Johnson hears from Iranians at a crossing in north-west Iran about their thoughts on the war and regime.
How we know the Iran oil depot fire is real
BBC Verify explains how we verified a video of a fire at an oil depot in Iran.
Strait of Hormuz timelapse shows fall in shipping traffic
The footage demonstrates the flow of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf since the US-Israeli military offensive began against Iran on 27 February.
BBC visits key Dubai port in Iran's firing line
Trade at the Middle East's biggest port has been hit hard since Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz began.
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