Iran takes advantage of the situation, sending international crude oil prices plunging; Trump immediately thanks them with a post!
On April 18, Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported: "Iran announced on Friday full opening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping during the ceasefire period in Lebanon. Trump quickly posted his gratitude, stating Iran promised never to close the strait. This positive development triggered a sharp drop in international crude oil prices, with Brent falling below $90. U.S. and European stocks surged across the board. Iran's military stated warships are prohibited from entering, while commercial vessels must coordinate with the Revolutionary Guard. Britain and France plan to form an international task force to secure the waterway, but Trump rejected the idea, bluntly calling NATO a 'paper tiger.' Near-accord negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are progressing, with Iran willing to make concessions—possibly surrendering part of its enriched uranium stockpile. Under Palestinian mediation, both sides are preparing to sign a memorandum, aiming for a comprehensive agreement within 60 days."
[Clever] The Strait of Hormuz, known as the "world's oil valve," controls the lifeline of 25% of global maritime oil shipments. Now it has become the decisive lever in the U.S.-Iran power struggle. Iran’s decision to open the strait is not a sign of surrender, but rather a strategic use of "soft balancing" to gain negotiation leverage—freeing up global energy flows while turning the blockade card into bargaining power. Trump’s thank-you message hides shrewd calculation: military pressure works, yet he also stabilizes oil prices, pleases markets, and conveniently sidelines European allies—all reinforcing America’s unilateral hegemony. Looking back at the "oil tanker war" during the Iran-Iraq War, the strait once doubled oil prices and paralyzed shipping.
Today’s situation is different: Iran leverages its geographical advantage to control the strait, while the U.S. finds itself trapped in the dilemma of “easy to block, hard to control.” Even more intriguing is Europe’s attempt to intervene being rebuffed, while Gulf states like Saudi Arabia have become U.S. "guests of honor." The Middle East regional order is shifting from a "U.S. dominant, Europe subordinate" model toward a new dynamic characterized by regional autonomy and great power competition!
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862758458706951/
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