Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI+

How Tehran Is Controlling Global Trade Without Firing a War| Mojtaba Khamenei

TOI.in / Mar 30, 2026, 18.41 PM IST

This is no longer just a regional conflict—it’s a calculated shift in how power is exercised in the modern world. Iran is no longer relying on direct confrontation or full-scale war. Instead, it is quietly reshaping global trade dynamics through a strategy built on control, uncertainty, and selective access.Following a major leadership transition, Tehran has moved quickly to assert influence over one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors. But instead of shutting it down completely, Iran has introduced a controlled system—allowing limited passage to friendly nations while effectively restricting others. This isn’t chaos. It’s precision.At the core of this strategy is asymmetric warfare. Iran doesn’t need large fleets or constant attacks to dominate the situation. With hidden missile systems, mobile launch platforms, and low-cost drones, it has created an environment where threats are unpredictable and ever-present. The goal isn’t destruction—it’s hesitation. Every decision made by opposing forces now carries risk.For the United States and its allies, reopening the route is far from simple. The battlefield is fluid, reaction times are short, and threats can appear without warning. Even a single disruption can undo significant military effort. This has already pushed many global shipping companies to step back, increasing pressure on supply chains and energy markets.

03:09
Uttarakhand: Heavy rains cause massive destruction in Pipalkoti, roads and buildings damaged
03:22
Temple tragedy: At least 9 killed as temple in Shimla collapses due to heavy rainfall
02:25
Security beefed up in Delhi ahead of Independence Day
03:02
Doda's iconic Ganpat Bridge illuminated with Tricolour splendor to celebrate Independence Day
04:33
Watch: Waterlogging in Chennai following heavy rains
03:47
Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project: SC dismisses plea by Godrej & Boyce challenging Bombay HC order on land acquisition
01:26
Anand Dighe's home is Shiv Sena's new central office
03:58
Freebies galore in poll-bound Karnataka: Congress promises 10kg free rice to all BPL families, if voted to power
06:41
Ahead of Standing Committee polls, AAP Councillor Pawan Sehrawat joins BJP
07:47
Need collective work to meet global challenged like climate change and high debt levels: PM Modi
08:54
India & Trump's Russian Oil Trade Claims CLASH | 'Energy Security Of 1.4 Bn Supreme Priority'
10:22
Budget 2026: Indian FM’s Huge Income Tax Announcement | Latest Slabs, Old & New Regime Rates
44:07
'Delhi NOT Most Polluted': Doctor's Shocking Reveal On Toxic Monster; And How To Fight Back
04:37
PM Modi's Big Declaration In 1st Visit To J&K After Pahalgam Attack | 'Pak Attacked Kashmiriyat'
04:08
Sikkim: Landslide Hits Indian Army Camp After River Teesta Swells; 3 Personnel Killed, 6 Missing
09:15
FULL SPEECH: Tharoor Mocks Pak's Kashmir 'Dream' In Guyana | 'They Want Something They Don't Have'
06:36
PM Modi's Shocking New Op Sindoor Reveal | '9 Terror Hideouts In Pak Destroyed In Just 22 Mins'
03:20
Indian Air Force Flaunts Rafale, BrahMos In 1st Video After Decimating Pak Airbases In Op Sindoor
04:26
Indian Army Shares 1st Video Of Missiles, Russian S-400 In Action During Op Sindoor Against Pak
04:04
India's Ballistic Missiles Spook Munir; Pak Army HQ To Be Moved After Nur Khan Base Attack | Report
ET Now Live
Zoom TV Live
Mirror Now Live
Times Now Live
03:18
Shocking! Lawyer rams Mercedes car into Kachori shop in Delhi, Six injured
03:16
Telangana cop punched, dragged by villagers, video goes viral
03:08
On Cam: Crane drags car with senior citizens sitting inside, case registered | video goes viral
03:18
Instagram influencer shot dead by husband in Rajasthan's Phalodi
03:16
CCTV: Thieves arrive in car, decamp with jewellery in MP's Damoh
03:13
Goons hurl abuses at toll plaza employee in MP's Chhatarpur
03:12
Viral: Cobra blocks road in MP's Chhatarpur district
03:15
Nigeria: Lion kills zookeeper at Obafemi Awolowo University
03:17
CCTV: Biker crushed to death by speeding bus in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district
03:03
Four women steal tray full of earrings from a jewellery shop in MP's Raisen