Iran’s Hormuz leverage wanes as US economic squeeze bites
Six months after a conflict, Washington's economic offensive, including a naval blockade and tougher sanctions, is curbing Iran's oil exports and restricting access to foreign currency. Iranian insiders and regional sources say the squeeze is one of the harshest in Iran's history, but Tehran has failed to trigger a global economic shock through Hormuz disruption. Whether the pressure will force concessions remains unclear, and a new formula for resolving the stand-off is under discussion.
Why it matters: This illustrates the theme of economic statecraft, showing how US sanctions and naval pressure are testing Iran's leverage over global energy chokepoints.