The recent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has raised questions about the effectiveness of the US blockade aimed at pressuring Tehran. Analysts, including Avinash Gorakshkar and Nitant Darekar, argue that while the blockade targets Iranian oil exports—primarily affecting China, which imports around 90% of Iran's crude—Russia can utilize the Caspian Sea route to bypass the blockade. Amit Goel, Chief Global Strategist at PACE 360, views the blockade as a strategic move to involve Russia and China in peace talks, suggesting that the US is aware of the geopolitical ramifications. However, he notes that Iran's oil infrastructure is predominantly located near the Strait of Hormuz, making the Caspian route less viable. Furthermore, the US's blockade may lead to closer cooperation between India and the US, particularly concerning maritime security in the Malacca Strait, which is crucial for China's energy imports. Overall, experts believe the blockade could significantly influence the upcoming US-Iran ceasefire discussions.