Doug Bandow, senior fellow at US conservative think tank the Cato Institute,
said the main confrontation between the US and Iran has moved to the economic
front as both sides implement a dual blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. "Trump's
position is very difficult. He closed the Strait of Hormuz, inadvertently gave
Iran a very powerful weapon, and he is unwilling to risk US warships to try to
open it," Bandow said. "It's hard for him not to reach an agreement that
satisfies Iran." Bandow cast doubt on Trump's claim that he does not care about
the war's effect on the upcoming midterms. "He may say that, but no one really
believes it. The last thing he wants is a Republican rout in November. Everyone
wants this to end. I have no doubt he has heard that and does care," Bandow
said.
