Iran's strategy in Hormuz aims to scare shipping, not fight US Navy, says US security expert - Al Jazeera English

[Rhiannon12866]

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has stalled again despite brief optimism after Iran said it would reopen the route. Vessels initially moved to transit, but Iranian forces later warned ships to turn back, halting navigation.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Scott Uehlinger, a retired US Navy officer and former CIA officer, said Iran’s use of small armed speedboats is a “desperate act” with limited military effectiveness. He said the vessels function as an “insurance threat”, deterring shipping companies and effectively keeping the strait closed.

Uehlinger added the US blockade is highly effective, costing Iran an estimated $160m a day in lost oil revenue. He said mixed signals between Iran’s foreign ministry and the IRGC may indicate fragmentation within the leadership.
Despite rising costs, he said US operations remain sustainable, though uncertainty persists ahead of ceasefire decisions. - 04/19/2026.