They are betting that military pressure will ultimately force the United States to accept their control over the crucial waterway for global energy — and that time is on their side. They know that trying to open it by force would be costly and may require American ground troops. “More than revenue from the strait, Iran wants to confirm its management and sovereignty over the strait,” he said by phone from Tehran. Iran feels time is on its sideTo borrow a phrase from Trump’s own theory of geopolitics, Iran believes it holds the cards. Control of the strait would give Iran leverage if the nuclear talks resume, he added.