A tiny island in the Persian Gulf could be Trump’s secret weapon against Iran

Seizing the island would cut off Iran’s oil lifeline, which is crucial for the regime,” said Petras Katinas, research fellow in climate, energy and defence in the Europe office of the Royal United Services Institute. “Of course, with shipping via the Strait of Hormuz now stopped, they cannot sell oil anyway, but looking ahead, seizure would give the US leverage during negotiations, no matter which regime is in power after the military operation ends.”