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How Iran's 'Golden Weapon' of Hormuz Became a Bigger Priority than Its Long-Disputed Nuclear Programme
Iran now treats the waterway as its strongest bargaining chip and has refused to start nuclear talks until Washington accepts its control.
- Iran signaled on Tuesday that controlling the Strait of Hormuz is a 'golden weapon' prioritized over nuclear negotiations, after ships passing without approval were fired upon this week, threatening last month's interim peace deal.
- Distrust of the United States drives this stance, aggravated by President Donald Trump's 2018 decision to exit the nuclear deal and his return to war this year during diplomatic negotiations.
- While Iranian leaders interpret last month's interim agreement as recognition of their right to manage the waterway, the United States and Gulf states reject this, arguing the language only mandates facilitating safe passage.
- Tehran refuses to begin nuclear talks until Washington accepts its management of the Strait, with parliament member Ebrahim Azizi writing, 'Recognise the new Iranian order in the Strait of Hormuz: this is the only way forward.'
- Ali Ansari, modern history professor at St Andrews University in Scotland, observed that both sides believe they have won and are pushing further, despite the 60-day limit on current vessel arrangements.
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Know Why Iran Is Prioritising 'Golden Weapon' Strait of Hormuz As Bargaining Chip More Than Its Nuclear Ambitions
Control over the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as Iran's primary strategic priority and "golden weapon," overtaking the nuclear program as its main point of leverage against the West.
·Mumbai, India
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On February 28, 2026, Trump and Israel launched attacks on Iran, targeting nuclear sites. Iran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict shifted entirely to the oil route.
Why the Strait of Hormuz now matters more to Iran than its nuclear programme
Control of the world's most critical oil chokepoint has emerged as Tehran's top strategic priority, eclipsing the nuclear issue as it seeks greater leverage in its confrontation with the United States and the West.
·Mumbai, India
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left0Leaning Right8Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution73% Right
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources lean Right
73% Right
C 27%
R 73%
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