A rapid cycle of strikes and counterstrikes between Washington and Tehran underscores how easily contested maritime chokepoints can spiral into broader regional confrontation.ContentsFrom maritime harassment to cross-border strikesSignaling, deterrence, and internal constraintsThe Strait of Hormuz: A structural vulnerability in global securityGulf states caught in the middleContained escalation or strategic rupture?A fragile order built on contested … Continue reading Gulf ceasefire under pressure as U.S. and Iran trade accusations and strikes