Strait of Hormuz: A Proxy War for Oil and Influence The Strait of Hormuz has long been a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies.
However, the current standoff between Iran and the US is about more than just a narrow waterway – it's a proxy war for influence, wealth, and control over one of the world's most important energy transit routes.
Iran's demand for a "protection" toll on vessels passing through the Strait, estimated to be around $20 billion annually, has been met with skepticism by analysts who view it as a thinly veiled attempt at extortion.