Trump weighs "mow the lawn" strategy to counter Iran in Strait of Hormuz

Brent crude prices surged 2% on Monday, reaching a high of $91.52, following the U.S. military's attack on two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island on Saturday. Iran responded with eight ballistic missiles targeting Jordanian air bases, reigniting concerns about a potential supply disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil transportation.

While the immediate focus is on the weekend's exchange of fire, there is a deeper worry about the next move in U.S. strategy. According to Axios, citing three U.S. officials, President Trump and senior aides are considering a CENTCOM-developed plan, often referred to as "mow the lawn," which involves periodic limited strikes in the strait to thwart Iran's reconstruction of radar and missile capabilities before each attack.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supports this approach, though it has not yet been officially approved. A White House official stated that the President retains all options. Trump expressed his intention to respond forcefully, both in verbal and visual declarations. However, some see this as a desperate attempt to break the deadlock rather than a shift in policy.

Analysts are divided on the significance of the Larak strike, with some believing it is more about patience wearing thin with the slower sanctions timeline rather than a full-scale escalation.