Hormuz Leverage Erodes as U.S. Blockade Tightens

CNN analyst Brett McGurk argues that Iran is no longer winning the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz: the U.S. blockade has tightened, shipping lanes are being protected, and oil flows have rebounded to about two-thirds of pre-war levels, weakening Iran’s leverage. Iran’s economy is deteriorating under sanctions, with high inflation and job losses, limiting its ability to sustain the war. The U.S. strategy now appears more defined—blockade and pressure to abandon Hormuz control and nuclear ambitions—potentially tilting the balance toward Washington, though the risk of escalation remains.