The Trump Report 'Which moron in the White House came up with this blockade idea?' | Malcolm Nance
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Apr 13, 2026 
Malcolm Nance, former US naval intelligence officer and national security analyst, breaks down the Strait of Hormuz showdown. He explains Iran’s traffic scheme, ports and rerouting limits. He explores risks of boarding or seizing ships, ecological and geopolitical fallout, and how civilian decision-making and alliance strains shape possible escalation.
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Blockade Claim Versus Legal Wording
- A U.S. announced blockade claims to crush Iran economically but legal wording may limit its scope.
- CENTCOM's notice preserves neutral transit to non-Iranian ports, creating a gap Iran can exploit for toll revenue.
Iran's Strait Toll Is Highly Lucrative
- Iran enforces a new traffic separation scheme and inspects ships, charging about $2 million per vessel.
- With large crude carriers worth ~$100M and cargo up to $200M, the toll is a rounding error and could net Iran ~$160 billion yearly.
Interception Choices Carry Big Risks
- Boarding or stopping ships from Iranian ports risks escalation because many vessels won't comply with U.S. orders.
- Options range from logging offenders to VBSS boarding or firing warning shots, each with legal and geopolitical consequences.