Can Iran use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in talks with the US? | DW News
April 9, 2026
DW News
As the United States and Iran prepare for talks in Islamabad, tensions remain high across the Middle East. Iran is demanding sanctions relief and is restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important shipping lanes. A fragile ceasefire involving Israel and Lebanon adds further uncertainty. Middle East politics expert Sina Azodi from George Washington University explains how much leverage Tehran really has — and what the consequences could be for regional stability and the global economy.
#dwnews #iranwar #straitofhormuz #usa #talks #trade #israel #lebanon Chapters: 0:00 Pakistan slams Israel's 'aggression' on Lebanon 0:37 US, Iran deeply divided on key demands 1:03 Iran to limit Hormuz shipping under ceasefire 1:49 Sina Azodi, Middle East analyst 3:35 Why the ceasefire matters for Iran 4:38 Economic toll of war and need for sanctions relief 5:24 Iran, Hezbollah and the Lebanon conflict 6:09 Diverging interests of Israel and the US 7:48 Nuclear talks and enriched uranium dispute 9:19 Who holds power in Iran after leadership losses For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/ Follow DW on social media: ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwnews ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/ ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1
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