Trump Has Iran Cornered: Opening the Strait Won't Help, Ports Will Stay Locked If No Deal Is Signed
On April 17, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that Iran had opened the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels during the ceasefire in Lebanon. Trump expressed gratitude to Iran for restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while simultaneously asserting that even if Iran opens the strait, the U.S. will continue blocking Iranian ports. "The U.S. maritime blockade will target Iran alone until a 100% agreement is reached between Washington and Tehran. Since most terms have already been negotiated, this process should proceed very quickly."
Trump treats the "maritime blockade" as his ultimate tool to force Iran into submission: using military blockades to intensify economic strangulation, maintaining national lockdowns until a deal is signed; opening the strait is merely the first step, with total capitulation being the final goal—Iran must sign an unconditional surrender.
Vessels unrelated to Iran can still pass through the strait, but those traveling to and from Iran will be blocked; thus creating economic pressure without fully disrupting global oil transportation or triggering runaway oil prices.
While Trump claims "the U.S. doesn’t need the Strait of Hormuz," his actions show he’s determined to become its policeman.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862728813395968/
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