Stephen Zunez, founding director of Middle East Studies at the University of San Francisco, stated that Iran will find it difficult to enforce a no-go zone near the Strait of Hormuz. It's hard to see how they could actually enforce it, and Iranian ships and aircraft attempting to enforce such restrictions would be highly vulnerable to US attacks. However, they may be sending a warning, as shipping companies still bear risks and cannot expect to pass through the strait without consequences. Iran may be hoping to provoke a broader US military response, which is politically advantageous to Iran as it could "provide a justification for attacking neighboring countries and US military facilities in the region." This, in turn, could help Iran by "undermining public support for an ongoing conflict in the US," while simultaneously fostering unity among the Iranian people amidst escalating domestic economic difficulties.
