U.S. Experts: The U.S. Has the Capability to Imposed a Naval Blockade on Iran, But Its Effectiveness Is Doubtful

¬ Iranian Foreign Ministry: U.S. Constantly Changing Positions in Negotiations Hinder Agreement

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Michael Desch, professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame (Indiana), told Sputnik News that the United States has the capability to use its deployed forces in the region to impose a maritime blockade on Iranian ports, though the effectiveness of such a move remains questionable.

Desch told Sputnik News: "The U.S. can deploy existing naval and air forces in the region to remotely blockade Iran."

However, he noted that even if such actions were successful, they might still fail to achieve Washington's desired outcome—forcing Tehran to accept the terms of a peace agreement proposed by the U.S.

The expert emphasized: "The issue isn't whether it can be done, but rather how effective such an action would be—even if it successfully blocks Iranian ports."

On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States would begin blocking all vessels attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz. He also ordered the U.S. Navy to track and intercept any ships paying fees to pass through the strait en route to Iran.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Asghar Khajeh-Asadi told French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian that the United States' constantly shifting positions during negotiations with Iran have hindered the conclusion of an agreement.

"Despite progress made on most issues during negotiations, the U.S.'s extreme stance and ever-changing demands continue to obstruct reaching a deal," Khajeh-Asadi said.

On February 28, the United States and Israel began launching strikes against targets inside Iran, including attacks on Tehran. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on Israeli territory and U.S. military targets in the Middle East, leading to a sharp decline in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862373468658819/

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