Iran-Linked Blockade Tactics Escalate Across Red Sea and Gulf

ISW-CTP’s July 21 update portrays Iran using a multi-front strategy to pressure the US and its Gulf partners: the Houthis appear to have moved to a Red Sea blockade of Saudi interests, issuing warnings to shipping and prompting vessel reroutes; Iran is pressing to funnel traffic through its designated routes in the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting a southern Oman path and aiming to drive up shipping costs; it has conducted missile strikes against bases in Jordan and attacked Kuwaiti civilian infrastructure to pressure host states to curb US operations; Iran-backed Iraqi militias and Hezbollah remain active, while Lebanese tensions threaten Beirut’s airport. Domestically, Iran reportedly moved thousands of centrifuges and HEU to Mount Kolang after the 2025 war, and US/Israeli strikes continue to degrade Iran’s enrichment capacity. The overall pattern suggests Tehran seeks to erode US resolve, elevate costs of regional confrontation, and cement influence over Gulf shipping and allied states.