US Underestimated Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Threat, Expert Warns Amid Escalation

Rising tensions in the Middle East have renewed concerns over the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, with experts warning that the United States may have underestimated Iran’s ability to disrupt one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

Mehran Kamrava, a professor at Georgetown University in Qatar, described it as “shocking” that Washington did not fully recognize how the narrow waterway could serve as a major leverage point for Tehran.

According to Kamrava, Iran has long had the capability not only to completely close the strait but also to interfere with commercial shipping passing through it. He noted that current developments may give Iran greater justification to impose restrictions or selectively allow vessels through.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for global energy supplies, carrying a significant portion of the world’s oil exports. Any disruption could have immediate and far-reaching impacts on global markets and energy security.

Kamrava also pointed to recent political statements by Donald Trump, in which Gulf nations such as United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar were described as supporting joint US-Israeli efforts. He suggested that such positioning could further reinforce Iran’s argument for restricting access to the waterway.

The possibility of closing or limiting access to the strait is not new. Iran has repeatedly issued similar warnings since the end of the Iran-Iraq War, though such threats have rarely materialized into full closure.

Meanwhile, tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate. The US has warned Iran to de-escalate or face significantly stronger military action, while Iranian leaders have rejected negotiations and vowed continued retaliation.

Ongoing military exchanges further underscore the volatile situation, with US-Israeli strikes reportedly continuing, and Iranian missile attacks targeting areas in central and northern Israel.

As the situation evolves, analysts warn that any move to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz could mark a major turning point with global economic consequences.

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