Strait of Hormuz still a source of leverage for Iran

Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz put crews at risk and drive up energy shipping costs. Iran's ability to sustain them and the limits of US protection will shape how much trade can continue and at what price. 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.

"Iran's limitation in the Strait of Hormuz is economic rather than military, because continuing the war has a significant impact on its economy," he said.