America can’t remove Iran from the Strait by force, and it’s unlikely to do so through negotiation. But this is unnecessary and hinders achieving some initial objectives, while opening the Strait

If the Trump administration can scramble to a new MOU, it should be a Memorandum of Understanding that Iran HOLDS the Strait of Hormuz as a lasting and all-powerful weapon. This is the opposite of before because the pre-war condition of the Persian Gulf cannot be recovered — at least not easily, or at an expense America is willing to pay. 

Iran’s capture of the Strait is a god-sent opportunity that must be recognized and seized

Believing America can coerce the Strait open is now unhelpful. A physical undertaking would be enormously costly and risky, and have little public enthusiasm back in America. Even a negotiated attempt is fanciful given the stupendous prize Iran has landed and would wish to keep. Moreover, the focus on removing Iran from the Strait obscures an opportunity to ACTUALLY open the Strait. 

An open Hormuz and Iran’s weaponization of it ARE compatible 

With this understood, some common ground exists to restart negotiations and, with dedicated work, reach an agreement that results in a more secure........

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