Trump gives media interview —
Journalist: Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and charges passage fees. What's your take on this?
Trump: We could handle it in two minutes. We can shut it down faster than you can blink.
This big mouth reaches up to the sky and touches the ground.
Pu’s remarks exemplify a typical diplomatic rhetoric of maximum pressure and deterrence.
This highly exaggerated language fundamentally aims to demonstrate America’s formidable military projection capability. The Strait of Hormuz is only about 21 nautical miles at its narrowest point, and the U.S. Central Command indeed possesses the absolute capability to block the waterway within an extremely short timeframe through mines, air strikes, or sea-air blockades. Although “two minutes” is clearly hyperbolic, the intent is to send a signal that the enemy’s throat can be choked at any moment, emphasizing U.S. military dominance in the region.
As a political figure with a business background, such “maximum pressure” tactics are often intended to force opponents back to the negotiation table. By painting an image of an utterly unequal consequence—such as “instant closure”—it creates a sense of imminent crisis, compelling Iran to make unilateral concessions on issues like nuclear agreements or regional conflicts.
Essentially, this tough stance denies Iran the legitimacy of using geographical advantage as a bargaining chip and reasserts America’s military resolve to uphold “freedom of navigation” in international waters.
But Iran has grown accustomed to Trump’s grandiose threats; repeated instances of his extreme pressure have failed to break Iran’s resistance. It’s like shouting “Wolf! Wolf!”—initial panic gives way to disbelief over time.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861084060957788/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.