Iran views the Strait of Hormuz as more than just an important shipping route. According to analyst Alam Saleh, Tehran sees it as a powerful political, economic and security tool. Saleh said Iran believes it can decide which countries or ships can pass through the strait and whether transit fees should be charged. He explained that Iran is also using control over the strait as a way to deter future attacks from the US or Israel. With tensions rising in the region, both sides could suffer economic damage from restrictions and blockades. Saleh added that Iran feels it has little choice but to use every option available, including pressure on global oil and gas markets, to respond to threats and protect its interests.