Iran proved it can close the Strait of Hormuz, but the U.S. is advertising very loudly that the world's top superpower can at least punch open a hole

(Credit: U.S. Navy)

Regardless of a ceasefire deal that reopens the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s demonstrated ability to shut it down will continue to hang over the global economy, rendering the narrow waterway a contested space.

But while the U.S. has failed to restore freedom of navigation in the strait, a steady drumbeat of messaging recently suggests an effort to dilute Tehran’s new leverage.