A number of factors may explain the American action. Last week saw a series of diplomatic contacts that failed to reach a formula for de-escalation and pave the way for a resumption of dialogue. Separate visits to Tehran by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir; Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi; and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani failed to persuade the Iranian regime to open the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. On the contrary, there was an insistence on the well-known high-level demands, such as ending the war, paying compensation, lifting sanctions, and releasing frozen funds, before discussing the future of the strait.
