Iran’s Strait Gamble: A Toll That Will Not Work

Tensions are rising again in the Middle East. The United States and Iran have exchanged strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict began after reports of an Iranian drone attack on a cargo ship trying to pass through the strait. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway. About 20% of the world’s oil passes through it. Iran has threatened to block the strait in the past. This time, it is trying to charge a toll for ships to pass. Both sides accuse each other of breaking a 60-day interim peace agreement. The US says Iran’s attack was unprovoked. Iran claims it was defending its waters. Experts say Iran’s plan to collect tolls will fail. The US Navy and its allies have the power to keep the strait open. A blockade would hurt Iran’s own economy. It would also anger other nations that depend on the oil that flows through the strait. The situation remains dangerous. But analysts believe Iran’s gamble will not work. The strait is too important to the world for one country to control it.