The United States is pursuing a strategy to push Iran towards 'capitulation,' former US national security official Robert Harward has said, pointing to a coordinated military and economic campaign that he claims is already straining Tehran.
Harward told Fox News that US forces intercepted an Iranian vessel attempting to break the blockade. 'There was an Iranian ship that came through today and tried to break the blockade, which the US intercepted,' Harward said. 'So ships can move, some of it's by choice, and some of it's based on the threat.'
Tensions remain high on the Strait of Hormuz after a US naval blockade led Iran to shut the vital route again, with reports of forces firing on vessels attempting to cross. Two Indian merchant ships were also hit.
US President Donald Trump said the vessel was intercepted after attempting to breach the blockade. Tehran condemned this as a ceasefire violation and an 'act of armed piracy,' vowing retaliation.
'No one really knows what's going on except the president… I don't know if that's part of his deception plan or not, but the campaign has been absolutely brilliant,' Harvard said.
'At the end of the day, this strategy will force the Iranian government to capitulate,' he added.
Iran has responded by tightening its grip on the strait, warning that if its oil exports are restricted, it will not allow others to pass freely.
According to Harward, the US is pursuing to restore free navigation through Hormuz while compelling Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
The ongoing blockade, he said, was already taking a heavy toll on Iran. 'We're crushing them economically… I'll be shocked if the regime doesn't come back to the negotiation table.'
