Iran views control of the Strait of Hormuz as a vital strategic asset. This waterway is now a higher priority than its nuclear program. Recent actions have led to exchanges of fire with the United States. An interim peace deal's wording on the strait remains a point of contention. Iran refuses nuclear talks until its Hormuz management is accepted.

By Parisa Hafezi and Angus McDowallDUBAI, July 8 - Control over the Strait of Hormuz has become a "golden weapon" to Iran, for which it is willing to risk new escalations with the…

Iran views control of the Strait of Hormuz as a vital strategic asset. This waterway is now a higher priority than its nuclear program. Recent actions have led to exchanges of…