Contrary to popular belief, chess was not invented in Persia but in India. Yet the modern game we know today – with its rules and strategic depth – was refined and popularized in Persia after arriving from India in the 7th century. In Hebrew, chess is called shahmat, derived from the Persian shah mat – “the king is helpless” or “the king is defeated”. From this comes the English “checkmate”.

The Iranian people have long been masters of strategy and commerce. As a central hub on the Silk Road, Persia linked China to the Mediterranean, with key routes passing through Merv, Mashhad, Teheran, and Hamadan to Bagdad. Persian rugs were prized as far back as the 5th century BCE, mentioned by the Greek author Xenophon as objects of great value. Iranians have honed the art of negotiation and haggling for millennia. They excel at it – often securing exactly what they want.

This brings us to the present. As of May 24, 2026, it appears a deal is nearing completion between President Donald Trump and the Islamic Republic of Iran: the US would ease military pressure and sanctions in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and surrendering its stockpile of over 440kg of 60% enriched uranium.

Ignore, if you can, the thousands of anti-regime Iranians slaughtered in the streets in January by the very regime Trump seeks to bargain with. The real question remains: Does Iran truly intends to part with its most valuable asset? And if it has no choice, why does it seems to be dictating the terms?

The answer lies in the Strait of........

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