Strait of Hormuz still a source of leverage for Iran

Since the Iran war started, attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz have put crews at risk of death and injury, forcing shipping companies to choose whether to attempt the passage or delay cargoes and face higher costs. Merchant vessels continue to use the strait despite the danger but how long that can continue depends partly on Iran's ability to sustain its attacks and the United States' capacity to protect shipping and bear the cost. Ali Mohammadi, an expert in Iranian affairs based in France, believes Iran's geography and the equipment it uses allow it to keep attacking ships. But he sees the economic burden of the war as Tehran's main constraint.