Hürmüz with Seven Husbands
Iran has control over the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil chokepoint, through which one-fifth of the world's oil passes, due to its geographical location. However, even if Iran were to close the Strait of Hormuz with its own armed forces, other Gulf countries supported by the US would try to prevent this.
The expected happened early, and the US struck Iran's nuclear facilities. What stood out in the US statement was that the attack was directed at nuclear facilities and not at Iran's armed forces or people. The US wants to say, ‘My enemy is Iran's nuclear programme, not its regime, people or armed forces.’ Israel, on the other hand, is attacking all of Iran. The main political difference between the US and Israel is being emphasised.
Three main nuclear facilities, Isfahan, Natanz and Fordo, were targeted by the US. Others must have been damaged, but Fordo may have protected itself. These days, it would not be right to blindly believe the statements made by the US, Israel and Iran. This is because each is engaged in perception management.
So, can Iran close the Strait of Hormuz?
It is not that easy for Iran to implement such a closure decision on its own. Iran is not the sole ruler of the Strait. Iran has problems with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Strait of Hormuz region. The UAE claims that the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb in the Strait of Hormuz belong to it and have been occupied by Iran. Even if Iran were to close the Strait of Hormuz with its own armed forces, other Gulf countries supported by the US would try to prevent this.
One-fifth of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is the world's most important oil chokepoint. Iran has geographical control over the Strait of Hormuz. It has countless anti-ship missile systems and highly manoeuvrable attack boats stationed along the coast. Iran also has an extensive mine inventory. However, the Strait of Hormuz does not belong solely to Iran; it is, so to speak, a seven-husbanded bride. It is clear that not only the United States but also other Gulf countries and China will not allow the Strait of Hormuz to be closed.
In short, in the Strait of Hormuz, which has seven masters, if one of the masters closes the strait, the other masters will intervene. This means that intense naval and air battles will take place in that region.
The United States and Israel may be trying to force Iran to close the strait in order to create legitimacy for a more comprehensive intervention against Iran.
