Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz by disrupting shipping traffic, leveraging tactics the United States pioneered through secondary sanctions. By attacking tankers with drones and missiles, Tehran forced insurers and shipping firms to withdraw from the critical waterway, reducing traffic by approximately 90% since the conflict began. This strategy mirrors America's own use of financial pressure to isolate adversaries, demonstrating Iran's adaptation of U.S. geopolitical tools. The move secured $140 million in sanctions relief while creating lasting market instability.