Donald Trump did not anticipate that a strategic waterway would become the critical battleground in the conflict with Iran.
While Tehran is under missile attacks, the major challenge for the US President comes from the global economic repercussions of Iran’s effective blockade of the vital Strait of Hormuz.
His recent strongly-worded warning to Iran’s leadership reflects his intense frustration and unease.
The narrow Strait, spanning less than 30 nautical miles, typically facilitates about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Although the US and many Western countries are not heavily dependent on Gulf-originating shipments, they are experiencing increased wholesale costs due to concerns about the impact on the global economy.
Trump’s concern lies not in the direct impact on US shipments but in the rising prices affecting American voters.
Above all, his frustration stems from Iran’s refusal to surrender as he had anticipated prior to the military actions taken in conjunction with Israel nearly six weeks ago.
As the conflict persists and Iran continues to control oil shipments, Trump’s agitation seems to escalate.
The White House initiated Operation Epic Fury with the goal to dismantle Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, naval forces, support for terrorist groups, and nuclear ambitions.
After six weeks, Trump’s mounting anger aptly summarizes the current state of affairs as “epic fury.”