U.S. seeks to steer Hormuz stalemate as Iran pushes to tilt the balance

A monthlong lull in Iran–U.S. fighting around the Strait of Hormuz has given way to a renewed and dangerous stalemate: U.S. strikes against Iranian targets have been met with Iranian attacks on Gulf region targets, with both sides avoiding full‑scale war for now but at high risk of miscalculation. Washington has escorted many oil ships through Hormuz as it weighs its military options, while Iran, economically strained, seeks to disrupt tanker traffic to press concessions. Tehran hints at returning to talks if the U.S. honors its commitments, but Trump says he’s not seeking negotiations. Analysts warn the balance is unsustainable and unlikely to hold.