Amir Hamidi, a national security expert, said that Tehran’s ability to disrupt shipping through missiles, drones, or sea mines does not mean strategic control of this waterway, and that the Islamic Republic cannot force its political will on the United States by threatening to close or restrict traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that if threats against international shipping are turned into action, the likelihood of a defensive response and an increase in pressure from the United States would be serious. According to Hamidi, the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, and using it as leverage could increase the risk of miscalculation and the expansion of the conflict.