Deadlocked, dysfunctional and dangerous. That is how the Strait of Hormuz standoff is increasingly being described.
Now approaching its fourth month, the crisis off Iran's coast is marked by mutual blockades. Tehran has been charging ships up to $2 million (€1.73 million) for safe passage through the strait, while the United States enforces a naval embargo, turning back vessels carrying Iranian oil exports.
These competing blockades have failed to deliver decisive results. Some Iranian ships continue to slip through, while several Asian shipping firms have agreed to pay tolls, despite such fees violating international maritime law.
Fragile negotiations between the US and Iran to reopen Hormuz have, meanwhile, stuttered several times, sparking the risk of escalation into a wider regional conflict.
Which side will fold first?
