Four weeks since Iran came under combined attack from the US and Israel, even its enemies acknowledge that Tehran is holding up considerably well. There are even unconfirmed reports that IRGC is collecting hefty tolls in Chinese yuan while allowing ships to pass. Attacked twice within the last year while negotiations were ongoing, Iran refuses to sit down for talks with the US any more. While the US insists on Tehran abandoning the nuclear option, chatter suggests Iran is stressing on guarantees against future US and Israeli aggression. That beleaguered Tehran played the Hormuz gambit well to gain strategic advantage, despite being militarily worsted, need not be doubted.

Source: Economic Times March 31, 2026 02:50 UTC