Jacob Hornerberg, writing at the Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity, explains his skepticism of President Trump’s blockade of Iranian ports. Hornberger’s view contrasts that of Miad Maleki, who is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracy. Maleki believes the blockade will exact a heavy toll on Iran. Hornberger believes the blockade will lead to unnecessary mass suffering of Iranians. He writes:

After threatening to annihilate Iran with bombs, President Trump and the US national-security establishment have decided to do so with their tried and true foreign policy tool of sanctions — or, in this case, they’re calling it for what it is — a blockade, which, as most everyone recognizes, is an act of war just as much as a bombing spree is.

Recognizing that Iran had Trump over a barrel with its control over the Strait of Hormuz, which has produced soaring gasoline prices and other adverse economic consequences for American voters, especially in the run-up to mid-term congressional elections, Trump, the Pentagon, the CIA, and the NSA have obviously now bowed to the inevitable by accepting Iran’s economic stranglehold over the Strait.

Keep in mind: Trump and the Pentagon initially contemplated using US military force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has now abandoned that possibility in favor of a blockade that would prevent oil from being transported through the Strait. Yes, you read that right: Trump’s plan would do exactly what Iran is doing — preventing oil from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

As the old saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them.

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