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The clearest and most straightforward condition in the performance-based deal with Iran was a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with no tolls. Freedom of navigation is a long-standing international principle.
So the Iranians have been firing on ships and firing on Gulf states. And firing on American military bases. Thereby violating the so-called ceasefire and violating the so-called memorandum of understanding. So President Trump’s patience has run out.
Earlier today, a reporter asked the president: “On Iran, is the ceasefire over? Is the ceasefire done? Is the MOU dead?” Mr. Trump replied: “It’s a very interesting question. To me, I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them anymore.” He added: “As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a waste of time dealing with them,” explaining that “they can talk, but I think they’re wasting their time. They’re a bunch of lying guys”
Indeed. And so the American bombing resumes. Yet I would suggest the continuous bombing of Iran probably has limited value added. I’m not opposed to it, but perhaps it has limited value added. Talking to military analysts, I have come to the view that the next big step in the Iranian war should be an American takeover of Kharg Island. That would completely cripple what’s left of Iran’s already decimated economy. Experts suggest that the current bombings open the way for forced protection for the Marines to hold Kharg Island and hold it well.
Now the United States Treasury has restored sanctions on Iranian oil sales, that’s good, it will require of course military enforcement. Yet Iran quickly sold 50 million or 60 million barrels of oil since the MOU was put in place, and that’s got to stop. No money. No money for them.
Back to Kharg Island. Analysts tell me our great fighting Marines can land and take it over. The Iranians would be near helpless in the face of that kind of move. Now it would be boots on the ground, but in a very limited way, and just on Kharg Island.
We’re not talking about boots on the ground in Iran proper, or downtown Tehran. Clearly Mr. Trump is thinking about taking over Kharg Island, as his remarks suggest. “We attacked Kharg Island last night,” he said. “We knocked out a piece. I said, don’t touch the oil because maybe we’ll take over Kharg Island. You know, we may take over Kharg Island. It’s not a thing they can do about it. But I said, don’t hit the pipes. Just hit everything else and they hit it. They may hit it again tonight.”
So it’s in his head. So I would also suggest that the MOU be ripped up, and a new one that is written by American people, American delegates, and American diplomats.
The agreement would be very simple: reopen Hormuz, end all nuclear activities, move the enriched uranium out of Iran, verify with American and United Nations inspectors, and absolutely no money for Iran unless and until they abide by these essentially unconditional surrender requirements.
Importantly, seasoned, experienced professionals from the Treasury, State, and Energy departments should be placed at the forefront of any discussions with Iran. Secretary Marco Rubio should be placed in complete charge of the operation, reporting directly to Mr. Trump. Yet the first step is Kharg Island.
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