The United States and Iran remain at odds over the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington pushing for unrestricted navigation and Iran seeking to control passage and collect fees. Both nations have focused on this dispute, which has grown central to their wider power struggle, though no compromise is currently apparent.

The strait's importance is clear: roughly 20% of global oil consumption passes through it under normal conditions, making it the primary outlet for Persian Gulf energy exports. America's concern over oil-price volatility and Iran's desire to shift the regional balance of power and recover economic losses explain the focus on this issue.

Yet a more pressing concern lies elsewhere. Iran possesses nearly half a metric ton of uranium enriched to 60%, and despite recent military damage to its nuclear facilities, it retains the capability to produce a bomb. The country could relocate part of its stockpile to hidden locations, operate remaining centrifuges, and complete enrichment to weapons-grade levels.

The concern extends beyond capability. Recent military operations may have strengthened Iran's motivation to acquire nuclear weapons as an insurance policy against regime change. The growing power of hardline factions, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, increases the risk of covert steps toward nuclear armament.

Military strikes can destroy infrastructure but not necessarily eliminate the nuclear material itself. A lasting solution requires removing enriched uranium from Iran or verifiably reducing it to natural enrichment levels. While some contend the material is secured, monitoring covert Iranian efforts to relocate stockpiles to unknown sites is nearly impossible. History show that military nuclear programs are rarely discovered early due to extensive deception.

Currently, Iran benefits from the international focus on the strait. With no agreement between Washington and Tehran in place, the gravest strategic threat to Israel and the United States remains unaddressed and sidelined in headlines.

Any future strategy must prioritize enriched uranium, with removal or verified dilution as core objectives. Strict, continuous on-site monitoring must become the minimum requirement. Simultaneously, Israel and the United States must strengthen their capacity to detect preparations for renewed enrichment, weaponization, or nuclear testing.

While the strait poses immediate economic challenges and could strengthen Iran financially and regionally, the nuclear danger developing within Iran represents the secondary but more critical threat. President Trump has stated he will not permit Iran to become nuclear-armed, but a verifiable strategy and agreement are essential to fulfill that commitment.