Linking the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to negotiating conditions turns a shipping lane into a bargaining chip. A large share of the world's seaborne oil passes through that narrow passage, so even the threat of disruption moves insurance costs, freight rates and energy markets.
From Tehran's perspective, leverage over the strait is one of its strongest cards, and tying it to demands keeps the other side engaged. From the US and its partners' perspective, freedom of navigation is a red line that they will not want to trade for concessions elsewhere.
The practical question is which conditions are on the table and whether they can be met in stages. Energy traders and importing nations across Asia, including Malaysia's neighbours, will be watching closely, because any extended closure would be felt far beyond the Gulf.
Bottom line: the strait is a reminder that a regional negotiation can affect fuel prices and trade in places thousands of kilometres away, including Southeast Asia, where importers watch the Gulf very carefully.
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