Seyed M. Marandi: Iran Just DROPPED A BOMBSHELL Response to US Blockade

Iran has permanently changed its policy regarding the Strait of Hormuz. It now restricts passage for ships from five specific countries (Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) that participated in the war against Iran. Friendly nations like China, Russia, India, and Pakistan can still negotiate passage. This policy is a direct response to US-led blockades and attacks on Iranian tankers.

Professor Marandi states, 'It is preventing any ships from leaving ships that are from those five countries... the limitations or for pockets for sorry for Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. And it's because they fought in the war.' He later confirms, 'the policy has changed permanently. And that is that ships that go through will have to uh deal with Iranians.'

The US initiated recent naval conflicts by striking Iranian tankers, killing sailors. Iran responded with drones to US ships, aiming for deterrence rather than severe damage, to avoid being labeled the aggressor. Despite this, Iran believes a major US-led assault is imminent and remains on full alert, preparing for attacks on critical infrastructure and incursions by terrorist groups from northern Iraq and Pakistan.

Marandi explains, 'the United States started this... by striking tankers and they killed uh a number of sailors.' He adds, 'Iran is is is still expecting a major assault... The Americans have all their forces in position. They brought in a lot of equipment for ground operations, too.'

The Iranian-imposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz have halted commercial shipping for certain nations, leading to significant global economic repercussions. Europe, in particular, faces a critical jet fuel shortage, with reserves estimated to last only six weeks, as the Strait is responsible for 20% of global jet fuel and crude oil supplies.

The host notes, 'in the last 24 hours not a single commercial ship passed through the state of Formos.' He cites a Wall Street Journal report: 'Europe has six weeks to... they're running out of jet fuel right now. The problem is right now because the straight of formos is responsible of to provide 20% of jet fuel.'

Iran now views the UAE as distinct from other GCC countries due to its strong alliance with Israel, including an Israeli military presence and open hostility towards Iran. Consequently, Iran's policy towards the UAE has changed, with Iran stating it will treat the UAE similarly to northern Iraq, implying potential retaliatory strikes against any perceived threats originating from UAE territory.

Marandi states, 'the Iranians did consider the UAE to be different from the others. More it had more uh a closer alliance with the Israeli regime.' He adds, 'the Iranian policy towards the Emirates has changed. And Iran is is saying that it's going to start treating the Emirates like it treats northern Iraq.'

The US's aggressive actions and 'unipolar moment' have inadvertently strengthened the alliance between Iran, Russia, and China. These nations, now stronger and increasingly targeted by the US, see Iran as a resilient and capable partner, leading to increased cooperation and a shared interest in countering US influence.

Marandi notes, 'the United States has antagonized both of them so the Americans have created all the incentives necessary for much better relations between these countries.' He also mentions, 'the Chinese said that the stature of Iran world has risen significantly after the war.'