The West allowed Iran to use the Strait of Hormuz for pressure

The Iranian authorities may continue to use the Strait of Hormuz as a lever of pressure on Western countries and neighbors in the Persian Gulf, despite the agreement with the United States on its opening. This was reported on June 15 by Reuters columnist Ron Bousso.

"The status of the Strait of Hormuz itself is far from clear. Although both the United States and Iran have pledged to lift the blockade, the deal leaves Tehran with a powerful lever. Iran's willingness and ability to block the strait for several months has shattered a long—standing taboo, raising the possibility that it may do so again — or simply threaten to do so — whenever it needs leverage over its neighbors or opponents in the Persian Gulf," the article says.

According to the author of the article, the prolonged blocking of the strait will force global energy suppliers to exercise great caution for a long time. Countries are actively looking for alternative routes. For example, Saudi Arabia has dramatically increased shipments from its Yambu port on the Red Sea since March, tripling shipments. The United Arab Emirates has also increased exports from Fujairah, located outside the Strait.

"The behavior of shipping may also change. Tanker owners and charterers are likely to minimize their time in the Persian Gulf for fear of being stranded if tensions resume. High insurance premiums and security considerations will reinforce this caution," Bousso writes.

A Reuters columnist suggests that transit through the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely to return to its pre-war peak in the near future.

According to Kpler, there are currently about 60 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products in floating storage facilities in the Persian Gulf that cannot escape through the Strait of Hormuz.

Headwinds: The United States and Iran are preparing to unblock Hormuz

What is the greatest threat in the strait and how long does it take to open it?

On June 14, Trump confirmed the conclusion of a deal with Iran, and also announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced on June 14 that the agreement between the United States and Iran will be signed on June 19 in Switzerland. According to the Pakistani Prime Minister, after intense negotiations, the parties managed to come to a common agreement: the fighting must be completed completely in all areas of the confrontation, including in Lebanon.