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One hundred days into the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran, Tehran regards its ability to maintain the ruling system as a clear victory. Despite heavy losses—over 3,400 citizens killed and its nuclear program damaged—Iran has leveraged the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as economic and strategic leverage. The war has exposed limits on both sides, with regional security architecture destabilized and a fragile ceasefire in place.
Marking 100 days since the US and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran, the conflict has killed more than 7,000 people, displaced over 4 million, and severely disrupted global trade as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. The war has hit energy markets hard, with Brent crude spiking from $70 to near $120 a barrel, and 146 countries reporting gasoline price increases. Despite a brief ceasefire, negotiations remain stalled and sporadic fighting continues.
Russian oil giant Rosneft has sharply criticized US actions in the Strait of Hormuz, warning they are creating a severe crisis that harms all nations worldwide. The company says the US military buildup and sanctions in the strategic waterway threaten global energy security and the world economy.
Iran's special envoy for the Persian Gulf rejected UK accusations over the Hormuz Strait incident, stating Tehran acted lawfully. He warned against British military escalation and called for renewed dialogue.
In the past 24 hours, 24 vessels have been granted permission to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway for global oil shipments. The increased traffic signals a stabilization of maritime activity amid earlier regional tensions. Analysts stress the chokepoint's role in energy security and oil price stability.
Iran's leadership insists on no surrender, but subtle differences among factions over a potential deal with the U.S. have emerged as talks over the Strait of Hormuz and the nuclear program remain deadlocked. The military-security bloc, led by IRGC commanders, signals a hardline stance against major concessions. Meanwhile, hardline politicians like Saeed Jalili and state media outlets push maximalist positions, while the government faces pragmatically support a negotiated peace.
Japan's Prime Minister urged Iran to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during a phone call with Iran's president. The call, held on May 26, 2026, comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East after attacks on commercial vessels. Analysts see the move as a sign of Japan's concern over global energy security.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has sent 28 warships through the Strait of Hormuz in a coordinated exercise, demonstrating its ability to control the strategic waterway. The move comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western nations over the nuclear issue and sanctions. The exercise aims to assert Iran's sovereignty and control over the strait.
President Donald Trump has demanded stricter revisions to a draft peace agreement between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, according to US media. The changes focus on nuclear material handling and other key points, with Tehran expected to respond within days.
