Hebrew Report: Iranian Control of the Strait of Hormuz Shifts International Balance of Power

Hebrew press sources reported that Iran has managed to unprecedentedly strengthen its grip on oil exports in the Arabian Gulf region, a first in decades. Reports clarified that Tehran exploited its advanced military capabilities to impose a new reality, enabling it to achieve massive economic gains since the outbreak of the recent confrontation.

Maariv newspaper stated that these financial gains allowed Tehran to accelerate the rebuilding of its strategic industries that were previously damaged. These operations include the rapid development of missile systems and nuclear programs, which has given it the political audacity to claim sovereignty over the international Strait of Hormuz.

Data indicates that Iran doubled its oil revenues during the first month of the war compared to any previous periods in recent years. This increase reflects the nature of the economic campaign managed by Tehran, which appears to transcend traditional military solutions that international powers might resort to.

Sources confirmed that the US administration has begun to realize the difficulty of confronting this Iranian strategy or imposing control over the situation on the ground. Tehran had prepared for such scenarios for many years, developing precise plans to paralyze oil exports from the Gulf, which supplies 15% of global consumption.

Iranian capabilities extend to missiles and drones with a range of up to 2000 kilometers, giving it the ability to disrupt navigation in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Observers believe that hitting just one ship would be enough to completely halt navigation due to insurance companies ceasing coverage for transiting vessels.

The report cited the example of the Houthis in Yemen, who managed to disrupt international navigation despite possessing significantly fewer military capabilities than Iran. The newspaper considered that control over international energy corridors is a strategic weapon that currently surpasses the impact of possessing nuclear weapons.

Historically, the report compared the current situation to the Turkish closure of the Dardanelles Strait during World War I, which prevented supplies from reaching Russia. This British failure at the time to control the waterways led to the resignation of prominent military and political leaders due to heavy human losses.

Internationally, the International Energy Agency announced that the world is facing an oil supply disruption not seen since the 1973 embargo. This comes as exports from major countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE through the Gulf have ceased due to the current blockade.

Estimates indicate that approximately 800 ships are currently trapped in the Arabian Gulf, with the United States lacking sufficient military capability to lift this blockade. The global rise in oil prices has effectively lifted sanctions on Iran, allowing it to sell its production more freely.

China accounts for about 90% of Iranian oil exports, while supplies from other Gulf countries to global markets have ceased. Tehran has begun to impose new trade conditions, including reducing discounts granted to China and imposing protection fees on other countries signing bilateral agreements.

On the ground, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard fully controls export operations from Kharg Island, where it enforces a strict passage system. Transiting vessels are required to obtain special passwords and security escort from Revolutionary Guard boats to ensure their passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports documented the loading of five giant oil tankers in one day with a total cargo of 7.7 million barrels, generating huge daily revenues. Sources predicted that annual revenues would exceed one trillion dollars, giving Tehran immense financial capacity to fund its military operations and heavy industries.

In a notable shift, US President Donald Trump backed down from his previous threats to attack Iranian oil fields, expressing willingness to cooperate on the Strait. Analysts believe that this approach could change the balance of power in the region and place neighboring countries in a critical geopolitical situation in the face of escalating Iranian influence.

The report concluded that the Strait of Hormuz has transformed from an open international passage into a zone of influence where Tehran exercises de facto policies. The biggest challenge for Western military planners remains finding a practical solution that ensures energy flow without sliding into an all-out confrontation with uncertain outcomes.

Control over energy exports from the Arabian Gulf is a stronger winning card than nuclear weapons in the current conflict.