US or Iran: Who will win the Hormuz endurance game?
DW.com • • world
Key Points:
- The Strait of Hormuz crisis, now nearing four months, features mutual blockades with Iran charging ships up to $2 million for passage and the US imposing a naval embargo on Iranian oil exports, but neither side has achieved decisive control.
- Fragile US-Iran negotiations to reopen the strait have repeatedly stalled, raising the risk of wider regional conflict, while Gulf states push for diplomatic solutions to avoid economic disruption.
- Iran faces severe economic losses estimated at $435 million daily due to trade disruptions, with public finances suffering an estimated $17 billion loss so far, despite attempts to leverage missile attacks for regional influence.
- Gulf states are caught in the crossfire, urging restraint and diplomatic progress to protect their economic diversification plans and stability, while Iran seeks to reshape regional security and reduce US influence.
- The humanitarian situation in Iran worsens with inflation over 54%, food prices doubling, and prolonged internet blackouts, as Tehran remains determined to withstand pressure amid fears of regime survival.