A new regional order for the Strait of Hormuz

Key Points

• Iran is reshaping the Strait of Hormuz into a tool of regional power, moving away from its historic status as an open international waterway.
• Since the U.S.–Israel campaign began, Tehran has imposed a selective military blockade, allowing only vetted non‑Iranian vessels to pass and charging “up to seven‑figure” tolls while demanding compensation for war damages.
• Iranian officials have said the strait will remain closed until a portion of transit revenues covers those reparations, signalling a permanent change aimed at the United States and Israel.
• At the same time, Gulf states are scrambling to mitigate the disruption.

Full Details

Iran is reshaping the Strait of Hormuz into a tool of regional power, moving away from its historic status as an open international waterway. Since the U.S.–Israel campaign began, Tehran has imposed a selective military blockade, allowing only vetted non‑Iranian vessels to pass and charging “up to seven‑figure” tolls while demanding compensation for war damages. Iranian officials have said the strait will remain closed until a portion of transit revenues covers those reparations, signalling a permanent change aimed at the United States and Israel. At the same time, Gulf states are scramblin