Iran’s strategy shift: Find Trump’s weak spot

Iran knows where the U.S. will feel their attacks most, so they are concentrating their remaining munitions on oil infrastructure in the Gulf states, and ships in and near the Strait of Hormuz.

Two tankers were hit overnight, along with a cargo vessel. At least one is in flames.

Oil depots continue to be hit. Gulf oil is barely moving by ship.

This has effectively closed the strait, and caused both oil and gas prices to surge. Dozens of nations released emergency supply from strategic reserves, which has blunted the increases, but not stopped them.

Iran knows this is a weak spot for U.S. President Donald Trump, who was elected on a promise to make life more affordable, and gas prices cheaper. The opposite is happening — and Republicans in Congress are nervous. Trump has acknowledged his own vice-president has doubts about the war.

While some household items may take months to become more expensive as shipping surcharges get priced in, gas prices change immediately. Americans see it now. 

The pressure is building for Trump to call an end to the war. But even if he does, it would leave the Islamic republic’s regime intact — led by a hardline supreme leader whose father, wife, sister and other family members have been killed in airstrikes. Would he accept a ceasefire from the U.S., or seek vengeance?