A former Austrian defense attaché said the US is coordinating diplomatic
pressure, a maritime blockade and military options against Iran, and that the
immediate objective appears to be reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He said
Washington is employing a 'hot‑and‑cold' tactic—periodic strikes followed by
lulls—to induce Iran to abandon intent to continue the conflict. He added that,
while Trump is reportedly seeking negotiations, Iran's leadership is split
between a faction favoring restoration of a memorandum of understanding and a
faction seeking to secure control of the Strait of Hormuz by military means.
