Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a powerful bargaining chip

According to NPR, Iran is demanding that ships pay a toll to pass through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil is transported. Despite U.S. negotiators' efforts to resolve the issue, Iran is holding firm on the charge. The demand is one of several unresolved tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with control of this strategic shipping lane giving Tehran significant bargaining leverage.

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