Over the weekend, Trump told Americans: "When you pay just a little more for gasoline, you're blocking Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Remember this when you're paying $4 a gallon—I will never apologize for it. Not on your life!"
It sounds convincing—carefully crafted, premeditated rhetoric and argumentation.
The idea is to tell Americans that if the Strait of Hormuz were handed over to Iranian control, and if America set a precedent of no longer defending free and open global shipping lanes, the long-term cost to Americans would be far higher.
The conclusion? Small sacrifices now mean big gains later—enduring high gas prices today is an act of patriotism, in pursuit of future "peace and low oil prices."
The slogan sounds powerful: "We need to win the peace!"
It seems like a meticulously planned, consistent strategy from the very beginning.
But how exactly do we win?
Trump’s argument hinges on the assumption that, in the long run, Iran can be contained, or the strait resolved without major losses, or that Middle Eastern energy can somehow be reintroduced to international markets.
But let me say this: Trump’s suggestion that Americans only pay a “small” extra amount for gas is still understated.
The president should have the guts to stand up and shout: "We’re taking down Iran! The proceeds from oil sales will be ours—we’ll use that money to fund the war and replenish the treasury. MAGA!"
That would be a compelling argument.
If that's not possible, then his entire case is a false premise—a delusion fed to everyday drivers filling up their tanks.
To date, the U.S. has yet to substantially weaken Iran’s capabilities. On the contrary, with the new Iranian leadership now in place, from any perspective, they will inevitably strengthen themselves for self-preservation. Iran’s current military strength is even greater than before the conflict began—its firm control over the strait proves this point.
Even "Israel Dad" is baffled by Iran’s rapid reconstruction of ballistic missile capabilities.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873644202880010/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.