fragile ceasefire has brought a pause in hostilities, but it is also fuelling a deeper question across the region: has Iran emerged from the conflict stronger than before? In the aftermath of weeks of sustained strikes, Tehran is projecting confidence across military, political, and economic domains. Its leadership has framed the ceasefire as one shaped on its own terms, while continuing to signal readiness for escalation across multiple fronts. What the conflict appears to have demonstrated is that Hormuz leverage is no longer theoretical. Through repeated missile and drone operations, Iran has shown it can hold energy infrastructure, shipping lanes, and coastal economies across the Gulf at risk. This has implications far beyond the battlefield. Gulf states, which have historically relied on a US-led security umbrella, are now confronting its limitations. The result is a subtle recalibration. Countries in the region may now be forced to adapt by strengthening defences, diversifying supply routes, or adjusting to a reality where Iran’s influence cannot be ignored.