On the day US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite ceasefire in the Iran conflict, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global trade. The vessels included the container ships Epaminondas, MSC Francesca, and Euphoria, which were headed to ports in India, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia, respectively. This incident follows the US seizure of an Iranian ship, escalating tensions as Iran refused to participate in peace talks in Islamabad. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned the US actions as violations of the ceasefire, emphasizing Iran's resolve to defend its interests. The attacks signal Iran's willingness to escalate the conflict, projecting strength despite the potential economic repercussions of renewed hostilities. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a strategic leverage point for Iran, allowing it to hold the global economy hostage while negotiating with the US. However, the risk of overplaying its hand looms, as international pressure may mount for Iran to ease tensions, especially if the global economy suffers as a result of the conflict. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that ongoing tensions could slow global growth in the coming years.