News analysis
Tanker attacks risk overplaying Iran’s hand and reigniting a war
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Iranians decided to strike amid the week-long funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
PHOTO: AFP
Neil Macfarquhar
- Iran risks escalating conflict by attacking oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening fragile peace talks with the US.
- Both Iran and the US use aggressive actions and rhetoric, with Iran aiming to assert control over the strait despite economic costs.
- Analysts warn Iran may be overplaying its hand, risking renewed war as US responds with intensified strikes and sanctions.
AI generated
DUBAI – Iran, fearing that its hold over the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes was gradually slipping away, risked overplaying its hand by again firing on oil tankers and potentially rekindling a major war with the US, analysts said.
Both sides threatened on July 8 to scuttle the memorandum of understanding they had signed on June 17 to establish a blueprint for peace talks and extend a wobbly ceasefire in place since April.
