Tehran Widens Conflict to Regain Leverage Against US
The Strait of Hormuz has been a critical chokepoint in the conflict between Iran and the US, but Tehran may have found a way to regain leverage by widening the war. After months of severe economic pressure from the US naval blockade and escalating sanctions, Iran's allies have opened new pressure points against the US and its regional partners.
Oil prices briefly surged above $110 per barrel on September 4, roughly 50% above pre-war levels, increasing costs for importing countries and posing a political problem for US President Donald Trump. The Houthi forces, backed by Iran, have also seized strategic territory on Yemen's Red Sea coast, including the port of Mocha and Perim Island.
Tehran is applying pressure elsewhere as well, with stepped-up attacks against US warships in the Gulf and retaliation by the US targeting Iranian crude carriers. The strategy is extremely risky, but it complicates Washington's calculations and may have improved Iran's bargaining position.