Source: Fortune.com
Summary
During the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the U.S. and Israel, only five ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on April 9, significantly below the promised minimum of 15 ships. This number is also lower than the pre-war count of 130 to 160 ships. Despite the ceasefire, Iran has functionally kept the Strait closed, with the number of ships passing through being lower than on some days during the war. Iran is using its control over the Strait as a top priority in negotiations with the U.S. and Israel, and is charging tolls on ships that pass through.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Iran has control over the Strait of Hormuz and is looking to maintain that control. The country is charging tolls on ships that pass through and is using its control as a top priority in negotiations with the U.S. and Israel. Only five ships passed through the Strait on April 9, despite the ceasefire agreement. The U.S. has stopped its attacks, but Iran has been able to keep the Strait closed. The situation sits awkwardly against the day’s diplomatic vein, with Trump expressing optimism about a peace deal with Iran.
Iran is calling the shots, and the Strait of Hormuz is the bargaining chip.
Author: Evan Null
