As Stephen Colbert said tonight on The Colbert Show: Iran does have a nuclear option.
It is to close the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar produces roughly a third of the world’s helium. More than a quarter of the world’s helium supply could be cut off if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. (Helium is not only for party balloons; it is used in semiconductor manufacturing).
Half of the world’s sulfur supply is now trapped on the Persian Gulf side of the Strait of Hormuz. Sulfur is used to produce sulfuric acid, which is essential for manufacturing fertilizers, chemicals, and detergents.
[Map from Google Maps]
