2026 Spring Fellow

Evan Kung

Evan Kung is a student at Granite Bay High School, interested in retirement policy. He's spoken about his views at various conferences and speech tournaments, urging change and structural reform in a system where millions of Americans are unable to retire. He is currently working with Congressman Kevin Kiley to address the rising cost of living and its impact on financial vulnerability of future retirees.

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Policy Briefs by the author

The U.S.-Iran Conflict and the Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Rapid Response

July 1, 2026

In February 2026, U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran triggered a conflict in which Iran moved to close the Strait of Hormuz (a chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil exports) using naval threats, drone swarms, and sea mines. This brief examines the standoff between U.S. demands for open, toll-free navigation under maritime law and Iran's claim to control the Strait and levy transit fees. It traces the conflict's roots to the 1979 Revolution, defines the core policy problem, and evaluates options ranging from military confrontation to diplomacy and a return to the status quo.

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