Trump called on global shipping: Despite passing through the Strait of Hormuz, show some guts and don't be scared!
Recently, Trump directly addressed shipowners and captains around the world: "These ships should pass through the Strait of Hormuz, show some guts... there's nothing to be afraid of." His reasoning: "Iran's navy has been effectively destroyed... they don't have a navy. We sank all their ships."
But the problem is, the promised U.S. Navy escort operation is basically completely off the table. Now, ships are being hit every day in the Strait of Hormuz. In such a situation, calling cargo ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz is like asking them to walk straight into death. What's the logic behind this? Dao Ge thought for a long time but couldn't figure it out.
Iran still has a large number of suicide drones, mines, and anti-ship missiles scattered along the coastline. The U.S. military itself is struggling to cope. It's probably a heavy burden for the U.S. budget to maintain a large-scale escort fleet, especially against the backdrop of domestic election cycles or economic pressure. There has never been a lack of criticism from taxpayers and within the military about "risking lives for other people's oil tankers."
The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20% of global oil trade and a large amount of liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation. Nearly ten million barrels of crude oil pass through here daily. For shipowners, "courage" isn't something you practice with your mouth, it's something calculated by actuaries.
Without U.S. Navy escort, war risk insurance premiums could double instantly. Even if Iran really "has no navy," a single missed suicide drone or a drifting mine could turn a super tanker into scrap at the bottom of the sea. Insurance companies won't lower rates just because of Trump's speech. Dao Ge believes that this slogan is just empty talk.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859508435842060/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.