New Delhi, Aug. 28 -- Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Tehran's military doctrine classified the closure of the Strait of Hormuz (SoH) strictly as a "weapon of last resort." Basic tactics dictate that "a threat in being" is more valuable in keeping an opponent unsettled, than a threat executed.

So why did the status quo shatter? Due to a shift in Iran's cost-benefit analysis. The "cost" got lowered.

Historically, the SoH was Iran's own economic and revenue lifeline. Shutting it down during past embargoes would have meant economic suicide, effectively helping the West achieve its blockade objectives. High "cost".

What Changed for Tehran?

The comprehensive US naval blockade of Iran's ports, and the crippling sanctions completely choke...