Your move: What next in battle for Strait of Hormuz?

Your move: What next in battle for Strait of Hormuz?

From Beyond the Headlines by The National News

May 7, 2026 · 22 min · Episode 495

About this episode

This episode discusses the ongoing tensions and negotiations between the US and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz and its implications for global oil markets.

US President Donald Trump has said a deal with Iran could be possible as negotiations to end the war gain momentum, again. Iran is reviewing a US proposal, which reportedly sets out limits for Tehran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Crucially, it also addresses the possibility of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The battle in – and for – the strait has become one of the most contentious issues in the war. This week, a US operation called Project Freedom offered a naval escort for merchant vessels through Hormuz, but Iran responded aggressively. Mr Trump then quickly paused the operation to give talks a chance. For now, the strait remains closed as a double blockade disrupts global oil markets and turn a body of water into a tool for leverage. In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher breaks down the naval tactics at play between the US and Iran and asks if a deal could reopen the strait. She speaks to Steven Wills from the Centre for Maritime Strategy at the Navy League of the United States, and to HA Hellyer, senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies.

People in this episode

Host: Nada AlTaher

Guests: Steven Wills, HA Hellyer

Topics covered

  • US-Iran relations
  • Strait of Hormuz
  • naval tactics
  • nuclear negotiations
  • global oil markets

Keywords

  • Strait of Hormuz
  • US Navy
  • Iran negotiations
  • nuclear deal
  • oil markets
  • Project Freedom
  • maritime strategy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Centre for Maritime Strategy, Navy League of the United States, Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies

Places: United States, Iran, Strait of Hormuz

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