Did Trump's Retweet of 'Maritime Blockade' Article Signal a New Tactic to Pressure Iran?
Is Trump Planning a Maritime Blockade Against Iran?
After the breakdown of U.S.-Iran negotiations, on the 12th Trump shared on social media an article advocating a maritime blockade against Iran. The article claims that "blockade" is Trump’s "ace card" for forcing Iran to make concessions.
The article Trump retweeted comes from a conservative website. Its author, John Solomon, has long been regarded as an ally and journalist within Trump’s circle; Trump and his supporters frequently share his articles.
As for John Solomon’s proposal of a maritime blockade targeting Iran, it can be effective—but not entirely so.
The “effective” aspect lies in the fact that the U.S. Navy’s strength is undeniable: if genuinely committed, it could intercept and seize numerous "shadow tankers" belonging to Iran, disrupt Iran’s oil exports, and further exacerbate its already dire domestic economic situation.
However, the “not entirely effective” aspect stems from the threat posed by Iran’s drones and anti-ship missiles, which make it difficult for U.S. warships to sustain operations near Iranian coastal waters. As a result, American vessels would have to operate in open, distant waters away from the coast—making it easy for some oil tankers to slip through the net, thereby diminishing the overall effectiveness of the blockade.
Moreover, if Trump actually orders the U.S. military to intercept Iran’s "shadow tankers," why should Iran then lift its control over the Strait of Hormuz? Any such action could provoke Tehran into adopting even more aggressive retaliatory measures, potentially triggering an energy crisis and inflation that would ultimately harm the United States itself.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862266774074368/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.