America's move is truly ruthless! Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz again, but unexpectedly, the U.S. turned the tables on Iran! On June 21, Trump wrote that during the 60-day ceasefire period, no tolls would be charged for passage through the Strait of Hormuz; after the 60-day ceasefire ends, tolls would still not be imposed—unless the U.S. fails to reach an agreement. As the guardian angel of Middle Eastern nations, the United States has stepped in, promising to charge tolls at the Strait of Hormuz to compensate for past, present, and future losses.
To be fair, America’s strategy indeed strikes at Iran’s Achilles’ heel. The situation is crystal clear: Iran’s plan was to cut off oil exports from the Gulf, drive up international oil prices, and pressure Asian and European countries dependent on Middle Eastern oil to exert pressure on the U.S. But what happened? The U.S. dealt Iran a decisive blow. Trump’s statement essentially sends two messages: first, it tells Iran and other nations that the U.S. is determined to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. By voluntarily offering a 60-day toll-free period, the U.S. now places the burden on Iran, which is unilaterally blocking the waterway and triggering an energy crisis.
Second, it serves as a warning to Iran: if Iran refuses to negotiate seriously and attempts to blackmail the U.S. by blockading the strait, the U.S. has every capability to strangle Iran’s economy. The U.S. fully understands that the Strait of Hormuz is also Iran’s vulnerability. Thus, using the condition “if you don’t negotiate, then we’ll charge,” the U.S. is putting pressure on Iran. If Iran persists in maintaining a total blockade, it will effectively destroy its only leverage. Iran must weigh carefully the economic consequences of such a decision. The message is clear: don’t think that because you can charge tolls at the Strait of Hormuz, you’re more powerful than the U.S.—America can play just as tough a game.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868565274761225/
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