Iran has been stepping up its threats to close one of the most important waterways in the world, the Straits of Hormuz, one of the main global routes for the world’s oil supply. The US is responding with warnings of its own. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, guest host Sara Terry explores what's really going on. Is Iran trying to deflect attention from its nuclear program? How are new regional realities, brought on by the Arab Spring, affected by tensions over Iran? Also, California redevelopment agencies lose big in state court, and a look at the year in movies and a preview of what's to come. (Thanks to KCRW volunteer Gideon Brower for special production assistance.)
Banner image: An Iranian Army soldier stands guard on a military speed boat, passing by a submarine during the 'Velayat-90' navy exercises in the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran on December 28, 2011. Photo by Ali Mohammad/AFP/Getty Images