Pulse through the Strait of Hormuz
The struggle between Washington and Tehran for control of the Strait of Hormuz escalated this week with attacks and crossed statements. “Hormuz is open. We hit them hard,” said President Donald Trump at the end of a night of bombings against Iran. Tehran “does not control the strait,” he added.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) endorsed the position: US forces are deployed to “ensure freedom of navigation, despite Iran’s unjustified aggression, threats and arbitrary statements.” Shortly after, the military command reported new attacks against missile systems, air defense and vessels of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard.
Hours earlier, an apparent calm and talks in Muscat – mediated by Oman and Qatar – had raised hopes of detente. But in the early hours of Saturday to Sunday, Iran announced the closure of the strait after attacking a Cyprus-flagged ship with a drone.
Washington’s response was immediate: a third round of attacks against 140 Iranian facilities in the vicinity of the pass, raising the weekly total to 310 targets. “Iran made the wrong decision. Now it is paying the consequences,” said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Tehran counterattacked with missiles towards US bases in the Middle East. Three fell in Jordan, and Qatar reported three injuries – including a minor – from shrapnel during the interception. Oman denounced having been the target of Iranian attacks and summoned the Iranian ambassador for a formal protest. Saudi Arabia condemned “Iran’s persistent destabilizing behavior.”
Trump expressed frustration: “On Saturday night we had a deal with Iran. It was perfect for us. No nuclear program, none of this, none of that. Iran gave in on everything, but they walked out of the room and an hour later they launched a drone at a ship. They’re sick.”
The Iranian Supreme Leader’s military advisor, Mohsen Rezaei, warned: “This strategic step is worth more than dozens of atomic bombs and the Islamic Republic will protect it.”
For Trump, keeping Hormuz open is key to avoiding a global economic depression. However, the fifth section of the memorandum – which addresses control of the strait – has generated controversy. Analysts point out that its wording gives Iran some influence over the step that it did not previously have, and its ambiguity could fuel new friction.
The scenario complicates negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program, where pessimism is growing even within the US administration.
