Iran weighs Strait of Hormuz leverage as Tehran debates diplomacy vs confrontation

Tehran is debating whether its Strait of Hormuz leverage remains viable as U.S. and Western pressure tightens; some warn that prolonged restrictions could erode bargaining power and hurt Iran, while hardliners push back against capitulation and some advocate new levers such as disrupting cables. The piece also notes sanctions like Britain’s renewal of Melli Bank London under Operation Economic Outcast and rising domestic economic pain (price protests and “If I’m not happy, they’ll execute me” videos), illustrating a pivotal moment where diplomacy could offer an exit route if leverage is reimagined, or else the ‘axis of resistance’ may remain fractured.