
Hormuz Fees and Slimmer Talks: Iran’s Strait Strategy Shapes the War
ISW-CTP say talks between the US and Iran have shown only slight progress, with the main sticking points being Tehran’s uranium enrichment and its bid to control the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has pressed a “protection racket” model—charging ships for safe passage and seeking formalized control with Oman—while Gulf neighbors and the US reject any de facto dominance of Hormuz, arguing full freedom of navigation is a prerequisite for a durable end to the war. The update also notes ongoing Iranian-backed Iraqi militia activity and US pressure to disarm them, all amid broader regional dynamics and Tehran’s influence efforts.
