Iranian military

Qassem Suleimani has long been a key player in Iran's foreign policy. Now he's stepping into the limelight.

While China is well know for its anti-ship weapons, other nations are also investing in such technology.

Iran would have much to lose in closing the strait. If Tehran’s economic security is endangered, it might choose a ‘measured’ response.

The Iranian regime won’t last forever. Squeezing Iran tighter through sanctions and the threat of an attack will sour Western ties with its successor and may encourage Tehran to go nuclear.

Iran would likely be a far more formidable adversary than any the United States has faced in decades. The U.S. should be very wary about launching military strikes.

Iran’s military could probably make life uncomfortable for the U.S. in the Strait of Hormuz. But the downsides far outweigh the advantages of trying.