Iran’s move on Hormuz is short-term. If it doesn’t get its act together, the whole region could turn against it. US boots on the ground in Iran won’t work. But a coalition of disgruntled neighbors could move against Tehran, changing the ball game.

The new wave of attacks against Iran has an undefined time frame, but at least a clear, limited objective – to reopen the Strait of Hormuz against Tehran’s claim of control. It ushers in new possibilities and threats for Iran.

Thirteen tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz on July 8 compared with an average of 33 per day over the previous week. Traffic slowed after Iranian attacks on ships triggered a renewed round of fighting with the US. Still, the oil market is not pricing in a complete closure of Hormuz. However, markets could become more nervous next week if a truce isn’t re-established.

Key to the truce is a hazy compromise in which Iran doesn’t threaten the Strait, without explicitly declaring such a threat. Behind the short-term tactical agreement lie medium- and long-term considerations.

The Church has problems with China and the Catholics there, but they are different in nature from those with the SSPX.

Many people, rightly concerned about the life of the Church, have blamed the Pope for excommunicating the SSPX while maintaining dialogue with the Chinese Church, controlled by the communists.

It’s indeed a thorny issue, and here it is, very briefly.

The point for the Church is whether the bishops are in communion with Rome, that is, whether they were ordained by the Pope. If they are not, they are automatically excommunicated. The excommunication can be formal and extended to the community of followers, as it was with the SSPX.

For a more in-depth analysis, eminent theologian Father Lorenzo Prezzi has a complete assessment ( https://www.appiainstitute.org/vatican/lefebvrist-bishops-from-schism-to-heresy/)

The very substantial differences are as follows. The Chinese Catholics never officially challenged the Church’s doctrine, whereas the SSPX was born out of objections against the Second Vatican Council, which has led the Church for the past 60 years. 

In fact, there are still differences.