Hormuz Shifts from Choke Point to Tool of Power

The Strait of Hormuz, once considered one of the world's most important shipping lanes, is poised to become the 'new normal' for Middle Eastern energy and security markets. After months of crisis, Iran has asserted its dominance over the route between Iran and Oman, through which one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flows.

Iran's influence over the strait has grown beyond a simple threat of disruption or blockade. According to Reuters, Hossein Taeb, head of Iran's Basij forces, stated that the Strait of Hormuz is under Iranian 'control and administration.' Iranian military commanders also claimed that ships cannot pass through without Tehran's approval.

The US claims control over the shipping lane, but this is a matter of internationally recognized control versus de facto control. Simply making shipping companies consider the risk of interference or detention can create significant dominance over the route.

Iran's strategy aims to use the Hormuz as a deterrent to pressure Washington to change its calculations, according to Alan Eyre, a former US diplomat and Iran expert. This assessment suggests that the strait is no longer just a 'hostage' of the conflict but a bargaining chip in Iran's strategy.