Economic duel: U.S. blockade tightens grip as Iran wields Hormuz pressure

The United States and Iran are in an economic standoff: Washington’s naval blockade aims to squeeze Tehran’s economy to force concessions, while Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz, risking a spike in global oil prices and ripple effects on the U.S. and world economies. Analysts say Iran can endure more pain due to its insulated economy, but the longer the blockade lasts the greater the chance of fuel shortages and price shocks, potentially pushing Washington to shift strategy as the clock ticks.