The administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing for a possible confrontation with Iran over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz lasting several days or even weeks. The White House believes that further developments will depend on Tehran's actions.
This was reported by Axios, citing American officials.
According to the publication's interlocutors, the duration of a possible military campaign will be determined by whether Iran dares to attack merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. According to various scenarios, the confrontation could last from several days to several weeks or even a month.
The White House believes that the United States is now in a better position for a potential escalation. This is explained by the fact that hundreds of oil tankers have already passed through the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks, which has reduced the risk of an instant jump in world oil prices in the event of a new escalation.
According to Axios, one of the reasons for the deterioration of the situation was the dissatisfaction of some of the Iranian leadership with the results of previous agreements with the United States. Radical representatives of the authorities believe that the memorandum of understanding did not bring the country the expected benefits.
According to an American official, despite the easing of sanctions, Iran continued to face difficulties in exporting oil. Banks were in no hurry to finance the relevant deals, and many countries were reluctant to use temporary sanctions exemptions.
In addition, frozen Iranian assets remained inaccessible because Tehran did not fulfill some of its obligations under the nuclear agreement.
The Axios source also noted that after the conclusion of a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which was brokered by the United States, some provisions of the memorandum on Lebanon lost their relevance.
"Part of the Iranian leadership was dissatisfied with all this... They started shooting, and we decided that it was time to retaliate. This is a process. We have patience. If we feel that we are not getting the desired agreement, we will not conclude it," the American official said.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important sea routes for global oil exports, so any aggravation of the situation in this region can significantly affect the global energy market.
Recall that the United States struck Iran and canceled permission to sell Iranian oil after the attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
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