Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz is the main lever of influence on the United States
Iran is unlikely to open the Strait of Hormuz in the near future, as control over this key artery of global oil supply is Tehran’s main leverage against the U.S.
This is evidenced by recent U.S. intelligence reports, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing Reuters.
Also read: Closed, but not for everyone. Which countries managed to negotiate with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz
Thus, according to intelligence data, Iran is unlikely to open the Strait of Hormuz in the near future, as control over this key artery of global oil supply is Tehran’s main pressure point on the U.S.
The publication writes that Tehran may continue to restrict movement through the strait, keeping energy prices high, to pressure U.S. President Donald Trump to find a way out of the war, which has lasted nearly five weeks and remains unpopular among American voters.
Reports also indicate that the war, which aimed to weaken Iran’s military power, may actually enhance its influence in the region, demonstrating Tehran’s ability to threaten a key maritime route.
As is known, Trump has tried to downplay the complexity of restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil is transported. On Friday, he suggested that he might order U.S. troops to open the passage.
However, analysts have long warned that attempting to use force against Iran, which controls one side of the strait, could be costly and draw the U.S. into a protracted ground war.
One expert notes that Tehran understands its ability to influence global energy markets through control of the strait and that this is “much more powerful than even nuclear weapons.”
As is known, Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz at the beginning of the war with the U.S. and Israel. Since then, oil prices have surged worldwide, as many vessels carrying “black gold” have been unable to pass through the strait.
Trump has tried to unblock it, even seeking help from NATO allies, but recently he has wanted to distance himself from this and offer alternatives to the market.
