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Iran Flexes Power, Demands High Price for De-escalation
TEHERAN, KOMPAS.com – Entering the third week of conflict, Iran is signaling a position of strength, aiming to secure long-term dominance over Middle Eastern energy resources. Teheran is now pushing for a resolution to the conflict with Washington on terms favorable to its ambitions.
Demands for Reparations and Troop Withdrawal
This confidence is reflected in Iran’s demands for ending the war, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Beyond substantial reparations from the United States (AS) and its allies, Iran is insisting on the complete removal of all U.S. Military forces from the region.
Controlling the Strait of Hormuz
A key ambition is to alter the status of the Strait of Hormuz. This vital international shipping lane, crucial for global oil supplies, is envisioned as a “toll collection point” by Teheran.
Mohammad Mokhber, an advisor to Iran’s supreme leader on economic affairs, revealed plans to impose fees on all vessels passing through the strait. “Iran will change its position from a country subject to sanctions to a greater power in the region and the world,” Mokhber stated to the Mehr news agency.
“We will impose sanctions on the arrogant powers that are thirsty for domination,” he added.
Iranian Military Capabilities and Recent Attacks
Despite claims by the U.S. And Israel of destroying missile launchers and stockpiles, Iran has demonstrated the continued ability to launch dozens of ballistic missiles and drones daily throughout the Middle East. The intensity of these attacks has reportedly increased in recent days, causing significant damage to energy infrastructure in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, while Iranian oil exports have reportedly surged.
Pressure on the U.S.
This situation is placing considerable pressure on U.S. President Donald Trump to end the conflict, particularly as rising oil and gas prices initiate to impact the global economy.
Analyst Dina Esfandiary notes that Iran has learned a valuable lesson: “They can cause a lot of damage and disruption in a relatively easy and cheap way. Now, they want the whole world to learn that lesson too.”
Recent Developments
On March 21, 2026, Iran reportedly launched two ballistic missiles at a joint U.S.-U.K. Base in Diego Garcia.
Former U.S. President Trump has publicly criticized NATO for failing to assist in confronting Iran, labeling the alliance as “cowardly.”
Did you know? Hassan Rouhani served as the seventh President of Iran from 2013 to 2021, also holding positions as Chief Nuclear Negotiator and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.
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