Iran Seizes Hormuz Leverage 3 Months After War, Pressing Nuclear Talks
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 2
Iran Seizes Hormuz Leverage 3 Months After War, Pressing Nuclear Talks
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 2
Three months after the war began, Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz has become its strongest bargaining chip in nuclear negotiations with President Trump.
Within days of the U.S. attack, Iranian forces menaced tankers with boats, missiles and drones, halting shipping through the chokepoint and driving energy prices sharply higher.
Mid-February live-fire drills called “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz” had signaled that response in advance, but the warning went largely unheeded by the Trump administration.
Trump has publicly vented frustration — including an April post demanding Iran reopen the strait — while Iranian commanders cast the threat as evidence Washington has limited options.
The US sank 130 Iranian ships, yet tankers remain unsafe. Can military might reopen the world’s most vital oil strait?
How long can the global economy withstand the Hormuz chokehold as a fifth of the world's oil remains trapped?
With two major sea lanes now threatened, is the global economy on the brink of a massive supply chain collapse?
2026 US-Iran Crisis: Strait of Hormuz Closure, Nuclear Tensions, and the Battle for Regional Stability
Overview
As of early June 2026, the United States and Iran remain locked in a tense diplomatic stalemate, with President Trump insisting that talks are ongoing despite reports to the contrary. Fragile negotiations continue, but the Strait of Hormuz—a vital shipping route—remains mostly blocked due to Iranian threats and a U.S. blockade, causing major disruptions to global trade. While both sides discuss de-escalation and a tentative deal, deep disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program persist. This unresolved nuclear issue, combined with the ongoing maritime crisis, keeps the region unstable and prevents a lasting resolution.