The value of the Strait of Hormuz is not fixed. It is relational. The more instability surrounds it, the more strategically valuable it becomes. The paradox facing the Trump administration is that a prolonged conflict with Iran may increase the value of one of Iran’s most important sources of leverage. Like prohibition-era organised crime, efforts to suppress a strategic asset can inadvertently increase its importance. The longer the conflict persists, the more central Hormuz becomes to global energy markets, diplomacy, insurance, shipping, and negotiation. In attempting to reduce Iran’s leverage, the war risks amplifying it.
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strait of hormuz
The more instability surrounds the Strait of Hormuz, the more valuable it becomes. The paradox is that a prolonged conflict may be increasing the strategic importance of one of Iran’s most powerful sources of leverage.
Daedelus Kite 