Iran tightens Hormuz grip

by AZADEH AKBAR in Tehran & WILL COOPER in Washington
Special contributors
TEHRAN, (CAJ News) – TENSIONS surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue to dominate global headlines as Iran, the United States and Israel remain locked in a dangerous geopolitical standoff.

The strategically vital waterway, which links the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, remains under intense military scrutiny, with Iranian naval forces exercising significant influence over maritime movement in the region.

Iran’s geographic position gives Tehran enormous leverage over the Strait of Hormuz because much of the narrow shipping corridor lies close to Iranian territorial waters.

Roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and large volumes of liquefied natural gas normally pass through the route, making it one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints.

Asian economies, particularly China, India, Japan and South Korea, are among the biggest beneficiaries of stable Hormuz shipping lanes, while Europe also depends heavily on Gulf energy exports transported through the strait.

Before the current conflict erupted earlier this year, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was functioning normally.

However, the situation changed dramatically after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran in February 2026, triggering retaliatory measures from Tehran.

Iran subsequently imposed restrictions and warned foreign vessels that passage would be subject to Iranian security procedures.

Despite widespread reports of tighter Iranian oversight of maritime traffic, there is presently no independently verified evidence confirming a fixed fee or official tariff being charged by Iran for every ship or oil tanker crossing the strait.

Some reports suggest Iran has explored new “shipping protocols” linked to security and reconstruction funding, but no universally recognised international payment structure has been confirmed publicly.

Iranian military capabilities have also become a major factor in the crisis.

Recent confrontations in and around the Strait of Hormuz have demonstrated Iran’s ability to deploy drones, missiles and fast-attack naval craft against US military assets operating in the region.

American officials confirmed that several US destroyers transiting the strait recently came under Iranian missile and drone attacks, although no official confirmation of US warships were hit.

In response, the United States launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian military facilities near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island.

Negotiations between Washington and Tehran have repeatedly struggled to produce a breakthrough.

US President Donald Trump recently stated that the conflict could end if “Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to”, while Iranian officials insist that Washington and Israel must halt military operations and respect Iranian sovereignty before any permanent reopening arrangement can be secured.

Iranian commanders have argued that Tehran seeks guarantees against further attacks and foreign interference, while US officials maintain that freedom of navigation and international shipping security must be restored immediately.

The failure of talks in Islamabad earlier this year deepened mistrust between both sides and intensified military activity across the Gulf.

The continuing crisis highlights why the Strait of Hormuz remains critically important to the world economy. Any prolonged disruption threatens global oil prices, shipping insurance costs and international trade flows, with consequences reaching Asia, Europe, Africa and beyond.

– CAJ News