Washington is running out of options to escalate its blockade of Iranian ports without exposing US forces to significant risks, according to Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.
Clark noted, “No real campaign has ever, no war’s ever, been won purely through air power.” He highlighted that the US's last military option may involve safeguarding shipping in the Strait of Hormuz by employing naval and air forces. This measure has yet to be implemented.
“They haven’t really used ships to defend shipping going through the Strait of Hormuz,” he warned, suggesting that this oversight poses a risk of repeating the conflicts experienced during the 1980s Tanker War, where vessels faced attacks.
Clark indicated that while the US might contemplate deploying ground forces, it might first attempt limited escort missions for commercial ships. This strategy could aim to demonstrate to Iran that they do not have full control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Looking ahead, Clark predicts that the situation may culminate in an arrangement in which Iran and Yemeni forces maintain control of the strait through a fee structure. This outcome would leave Washington seeking a way to claim a successful resolution that aligns with US interests without appearing detrimental.
Here’s what transpired today:
We will soon close this live coverage and transition to a new page. Before we do, here are the key updates of the day:
Iran has dismissed claims from the UAE asserting that it fired two ballistic missiles at the Gulf nation, labeling the accusations as “baseless.” The UAE’s Foreign Ministry reported that Iranian missiles targeted maritime traffic, resulting in the suspension of “all trade, commercial exchange, and financial transactions with Iran until further notice.”
Syria has condemned Israeli airstrikes on the Idlib airport, submitting identical letters to both the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council. The Israeli Prime Minister's office stated that Israel and Syria had reached a security “status quo,” which Syria allegedly breached by permitting Turkish troops to be stationed at an airbase near Aleppo. Officials emphasized that Israel “will not tolerate threats to its security and would be open to a return to the status quo.” However, a diplomatic source from the Syrian Foreign Ministry informed Al Jazeera that no formal agreement existed concerning a security arrangement between Syria and Israel.
In an Israeli operation west of Gaza City, at least seven Palestinians, including a child, lost their lives. The Israeli military asserted that the assault was aimed at “Hamas commanders.”
Additionally, a US official has indicated to Al Jazeera that former President Trump has instructed the US negotiating team to postpone discussions with Iran until Tehran is “prepared to make a deal.”
