Disruption to shipping since the war began five months ago has also restricted supplies of fertiliser, helium and other industrial and medical essentials, pushing up food and fuel costs worldwide.David Smith, an associate professor of American politics and foreign policy at the University of Sydney's United States Studies Centre, told SBS News the developments over the last few days have been a dramatic demonstration that the war's parameters have shifted."The original issue about Iran's nuclear program now just seems completely remote," he said."The next stage of conflict is going to be all about the Strait of Hormuz." At the outbreak of the war, the US claimed to be seeking a permanent end to Iran's nuclear ambitions, the destruction of its military, and the end to support for regional proxies like Hezbollah in Lebanon "If the US is giving up on that, then who knows what possibilities they're opening up."Iran's own conditions for peace include the right to enrich uranium, which it says is for civilian energy purposes, an end to international sanctions, and, increasingly, for other nations to recognise its right to control the Strait of Hormuz — which it has threatened to charge cargo ships up to US$2 million ($2.86 million) to pass through.The MoU stated that Iran would open the strait for free passage, pending the establishment of a US$300 billion ($429 billion) reconstruction fund, largely funded by the US