Hormuz as Leverage in Iran-US Talks

Iran frames the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic bargaining chip in ongoing U.S. talks, insisting it will not relinquish control and arguing the waterway could counter sanctions and shape regional security; senior officials warn the strait’s management is a leverage of enormous economic and strategic impact, while hardliners resist concessions on the nuclear deal and hint at shifting closer to China, all amid ongoing naval clashes and a U.S. blockade.