Trump tightens the noose as Iran holds out: Is the naval blockade working?

Since launching the war against the Iranian regime on Feb. 28, Donald Trump has gradually shifted his strategy. After initially considering a military campaign to directly weaken Iran’s capabilities — and even push for regime change — Washington now appears to favor economic warfare to avoid becoming bogged down in a costly war of attrition. The use of a naval blockade fits within this approach. But can it truly force Tehran to yield?A maritime blockade is, in itself, an act of war. Unlike sanctions, it relies on physical coercion to halt the flow of goods. Early on, Iran responded by weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz, restricting access to U.S. vessels and disrupting navigation to demonstrate its ability to affect a vital artery of global trade. This dynamic appears to have dissuaded Trump from pursuing regime-change rhetoric. In this...