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Source: https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/bjheaw8pwg#autoplay
U.S. Views Iran Naval Blockade as Effective as Airstrikes
(Ynet News) Ron Ben-Yishai - The regime in Tehran created an international energy crisis by shutting the strategic Strait of Hormuz, believing that by doing this it would win the war. But the global energy market has so far managed to cope through American and international reserves of crude oil and gas, even though the strait has been closed for nearly a month and a half. According to a knowledgeable source, Pakistan's army chief and prime minister provided detailed and credible accounts to the Americans of deep divisions within Iran's leadership. At the same time, the U.S. now views the naval blockade - costing Iran more than $400 million a day - as a pressure tool at least as effective as airstrikes, perhaps even more so. Instead of deploying forces to Kharg Island or the Strait of Hormuz and risking casualties in a costly operation, U.S. forces can remain at a safe distance from Iranian missiles and drones, enforcing the blockade. The regime fears the blockade far more than threats to bomb power stations and bridges. From an Israeli perspective, the fact that Iran skipped the talks and Trump extended the ceasefire while maintaining the blockade is close to an optimal outcome. It underscores Trump's determination not to concede, particularly on the nuclear issue.