Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced late Saturday that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz after firing at and hitting a commercial ship in the critical waterway.
Side question: Why, in this whole debacle, can’t ships just sail within the territorial waters of Oman, on the southern side of the strait? Why does Iran get to dictate what happens in Oman’s territorial waters? 've heard surprisingly little said by or towards Omani officials about this.
Iran used to respect things like freedom of navigation and territorial waters, but then Trump went and attacked them anyway. If rules aren’t going to be respected by their enemies, they have nothing to lose by exerting their power.
That’s why Trump’s attack was so incredibly fucking stupid.
Side question: Why, in this whole debacle, can’t ships just sail within the territorial waters of Oman, on the southern side of the strait? Why does Iran get to dictate what happens in Oman’s territorial waters? 've heard surprisingly little said by or towards Omani officials about this.
They can, and many have been. But Iran still has the firepower to control the strait, and Oman doesn’t want to get involved.
??? Iran can shoot missiles at any ship in the strait, Oman water or not. That’s war for you.
In any case, it’s insurance companies that say ships have lost insurance, and shipping companies are not willing to take the chance.
Iran used to respect things like freedom of navigation and territorial waters, but then Trump went and attacked them anyway. If rules aren’t going to be respected by their enemies, they have nothing to lose by exerting their power.
That’s why Trump’s attack was so incredibly fucking stupid.
Because the US and Israel killed international law.