"Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned Trump that if the U.S. attacked, Iran could respond by closing the strait, which connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. About 20% of the world's crude oil passes through Hormuz. Caine said in several briefings that U.S. officials had long believed Iran would deploy mines, drones and missiles to close the world's most vital shipping lane."
"Trump acknowledged the risk, these people said, but moved forward with the most consequential foreign-policy decision of his two presidencies. He told his team that Tehran would likely capitulate before closing the strait—and even if Iran tried, the U.S. military could handle it."
"Iran has responded by attacking Israel, U.S. military installations in the region, and effectively closing the vital Strait of Hormuz, contradicting Trump's earlier assessment that Iran would capitulate rather than block this critical global shipping lane."
Trump reportedly told administration officials that Iran would surrender rather than close the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. military action, dismissing warnings from Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Caine had briefed Trump multiple times that Iran would likely deploy mines, drones, and missiles to block the strait if attacked. Despite acknowledging the risk, Trump proceeded with military strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, a critical oil processing facility. The U.S. Navy announced plans to escort oil tankers through the strait. However, Iran has since effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately 20% of global crude oil trade, contradicting Trump's prediction of Iranian capitulation.
#iran-us-military-conflict #strait-of-hormuz #trump-administration-foreign-policy #military-strategy-and-intelligence #global-oil-trade
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