Iran’s Hormuz gambit: sovereignty messaging over tolls takes center stage
ISW/CTP observers say Iran is prioritizing the legitimacy of its control over the Strait of Hormuz and exempting several “friendly” states from tolls to push implicit recognition of sovereignty, while continuing enforcement of protocols amid reported vessel seizures. The US military notes ongoing disruption of ships (70 redirected, four disabled) since the blockade began, with no major new action reported in the US/Israeli air campaign and continued but unclear arms discussions between China and Iran.