Iran’s threats to block or control the Strait of Hormuz serve as a major bargaining tool similar to its nuclear program, according to former Austrian defense attaché Wolfgang Pusztai. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he described the strait as a powerful strategic weapon that allows Tehran to exert pressure on the United States, other Middle Eastern nations, and indirectly on Israel. He emphasized that Iran has no intention of easily giving up this leverage.

Pusztai further noted that even if Iran were to declare the strait open to all without tariffs or fees, such a statement would not guarantee a permanent policy shift. Analyzing the ongoing tensions, he observed that the three key actors involved—the United States, Iran, and Israel—often change their positions, making future actions unpredictable.

The remarks highlight the continued strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz in regional power dynamics and underline the uncertainty surrounding diplomatic commitments among the involved nations.