Iran and the US
Seizing the island “would cut off Iran’s oil lifeline,” which is essential for the regime, according to Petras Katinas, a research fellow in climate, energy and defense at RUSI, a London-based defense think tank. “Of course, with shipping via the Strait of Hormuz now stopped, they cannot sell oil anyway, but looking ahead, seizure would give the US leverage during negotiations, no matter which regime is in power after the military operation ends,” Katinas told CNBC by email. “Yet, seizure, would require a ground troop operation, which this administration seems hesitant to undertake. At least for now,” he added.
