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Source: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/how-accomplish-us-objectives-iran
How to Accomplish U.S. Objectives in Iran
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Michael Singh - Since the beginning of 2025, wartime outcomes by the U.S. and its partners constitute major strides in nearly all areas of U.S. concern with Iran. At the same time, the conflict has produced Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has established de facto control over traffic through the strait with minimal direct application of force, and Iranian leaders see maintaining control of the strait as powerful negotiating leverage. While blockading Iranian ports gives the U.S. economic leverage, economic pressure against Iran is unlikely in itself to have a dramatic impact on the regime's decision-making. The leverage Iran is wielding via the strait has created escalating economic and time pressure on the U.S. and the rest of the world, likely emboldening the regime and making broad concessions more difficult to obtain. The writer is managing director and a senior fellow at The Washington Institute.