Desperate to undermine successful American efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is escalating its attacks on ships transiting this vital energy chokepoint. According to the U.S. Navy, just as energy exports through the strait have reached prewar levels, attacks in the strait are also occurring at their highest rate since the war began.

It’s not surprising that Iran is lashing out. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ ultra-hardliners, who are now the most influential group in Tehran, know that if they cannot keep holding the strait hostage, they won’t be able to squeeze concessions from the United States. In other words, they know they’re losing this war.