Middle Israel: Iran's Strait of Hormuz piracy is a reckless, losing strategy - opinion
Iran’s blockade of Hormuz is reckless militarily and politically, and likely the beginning of the end of the ayatollahs’ quest to impose theocracy on Iran and Iran’s sway over an unsuspecting world.
Piracy, a once honorable profession, has been a losing strategy throughout history. From Queen Elizabeth I's knighted Sir Francis Drake to North African pirates paying sultanates, piracy has always led to defeat. The recent Iranian seizure of the Strait of Hormuz is a textbook example of piracy. Their actions have trapped 500 ships and 6,000 sailors, demanding ransom for passage in waters they don't own, and for services no one requested.
If inspired by past US experiences, the Iranians should be warned that ultimately, they will face strategic defeat. The Persian Gulf blockade might yield some tactical gains, but the long-term consequences will be dire. The Strait of Hormuz's role as a key oil transit route is not irreplaceable, and building oil pipelines is a viable alternative.
Energetic blackmail has historically backfired, leading to economic booms and plunging prices. Militarily, breaking the American Navy's counter-blockade is beyond Iran's capabilities, leaving their economy and people worse off. Politically, Iran's piracy will alienate its Arab neighbors, who have a long history of rivalry with Iran.
Other nations will eventually realize that Iran is a global troublemaker and will seek to distance themselves. This act of desperation, devised by messianic fanatics, marks the beginning of the end for the ayatollahs' quest to impose theocracy on Iran and Shi'ism on all Muslims.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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