Tehran Displays “We Will Kill Trump” Banner as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Sends Oil Above $100
Why Iran Is Targeting Shipping
Iran’s military strategy in the Gulf is closely connected to the geography of the region.
Iran cannot match the United States ship-for-ship in conventional naval power.
However, the geography of the Persian Gulf creates opportunities for asymmetric warfare.
Iran has developed a military doctrine built around missiles, drones, fast attack craft, coastal defenses, mines and other systems capable of threatening maritime traffic.
The Strait of Hormuz is particularly important because its geography limits the available routes for ships.
This gives a regional military power the ability to threaten shipping without necessarily controlling the entire maritime environment.
Iran has repeatedly emphasized its ability to disrupt or control traffic through the waterway.
The current conflict has transformed that capability into one of the most significant strategic pressure points in the war.
September 9, 2026 | 9:13 pm
