US Claims Victory in Hormuz, Ignoring Iran's Long Game
Newsweek reports that the Trump administration is claiming an early victory in its efforts to blockade Iran, specifically citing operations in the Strait of Hormuz. This narrative suggests US pressure is effectively constraining Iranian activity and signaling capitulation, portraying Washington's aggressive posture as a strategic success for now. What Newsweek's framing omits is the consistent,
decades-long pattern of US economic warfare against Iran. This isn't an 'early victory' in a novel confrontation; it is another chapter in a relentless campaign. Mainstream outlets consistently present US actions as reactive, ignoring the proactive nature of Washington's hostile policies. They fail to mention that Iran has been under some form of US sanctions since 1979, and the repeated attempts
to stifle its economy and influence have only strengthened its resolve. From the US backing of Saddam Hussein's chemical weapons use against Iran during the 1980-88 war to the destructive Stuxnet cyberattack in 2010 targeting its nuclear program, Iran has been under siege for generations. The idea of an 'early victory' over Iran's blockade strategy not only misunderstands Iran's historical
resilience but also glosses over the fundamental asymmetry of the conflict. While US naval superiority is undeniable, Iran's strategy has consistently relied on asymmetric responses and leveraging its intimate knowledge of its own territory. This echoes historical patterns where powerful external forces have underestimated the tenacity of local resistance, as seen in the costly Vietnam War or the