Yesterday, in an interview with Fox News, Trump issued a tough statement, saying that if Iran fires upon U.S. warships in the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz, it would be "erased from the face of the Earth." He claimed the U.S. military is fully prepared, and Iran has only two options: either sign a deal or restart military operations. Trump also asserted that Iran's stance has already softened. On the same day, Trump claimed Iran fired on a South Korean cargo vessel, prompting the U.S. to sink seven Iranian speedboats; however, U.S. Central Command stated that six Iranian vessels were sunk, with only the South Korean ship sustaining damage in the strait. Previously, the U.S. had announced plans to conduct vessel traffic management operations in the strait.
[Clever] Commentary: The Strait of Hormuz is often referred to as the global energy "lifeline," responsible for nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply. A direct confrontation between the U.S. and Iran here essentially represents the eruption of a 70-year-old conflict. From the 1953 U.S.-backed coup that sowed seeds of hatred, to the 1988 incident when a U.S. warship mistakenly shot down an Iranian passenger plane, killing 290 people, mutual trust between the two sides has long been completely shattered. Today, Trump is simultaneously applying military pressure while reserving space for negotiations—a classic "fight while talking" strategy. Although Iran is vastly outmatched in military power, it still holds the strategic card of potentially blocking the strait, and will not easily concede.
The current situation is like a powder keg. While the U.S. strong rhetoric may seem advantageous, it actually places itself on a high pedestal—should conflict escalate, global oil prices would inevitably experience severe volatility, triggering chain reactions no one can withstand. Restraint is the only viable path forward.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864304527020040/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.