Let's talk about the US firing at and seizing an Iranian ship.... - Belle of the Ranch

Well, howdy there Internet people. It's Belle again. So, today we're going to talk about the US firing at and seizing an Iranian ship.

Trump made an announcement Sunday afternoon that shows yet another escalation in his ongoing spiral with Iran and yet another sign that the energy shock is not over and will continue for at least a bit longer.

Trump took to social media to announce, "Today, an Iranian flagged cargo ship named Touska, nearly 900 ft long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our naval blockade, and it did not go well for them. The US Navy guided missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the Touska in the Gulf of Oman and gave them fair warning to stop. The Iranian crew refused to listen. So, our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room. Right now, US Marines have custody of the vessel. The Touska is under US Treasury sanctions because of their prior history of illegal activity. We have full custody of the ship and are seeing what's on board. President Donald J. Trump.”

Trump is not a source, but CENTCOM published a video, and this isn't a huge surprise. Anyway, on Thursday, the Chair of the Joint Chiefs said, "Any ship that would cross the blockade would result in our sailors executing pre-planned tactics designed to bring the force to that ship if need be, board the ship, and take her over and that includes a series of escalated force options, which could include warning shots and others.”

This was the first instance of US forces firing at an Iranian cargo ship trying to run the blockade and the first time one was seized. It happening during a ceasefire isn't going to help bring about a peace deal and give Trump the offramp he desperately desires. People are once again pointing to Madman Theory as a possible explanation for Trump's erratic and reckless behavior. I'll put a video down below explaining why that's probably not it and if it is, it's an even worse sign.

Trump said there would be negotiations in Pakistan on Monday, but at time of recording, Iran had not confirmed it would be attending. Iranian state news denounced the US action as piracy. An Iranian official seemed to imply a response would be coming. "One cannot restrict Iran's oil exports while expecting free security for others. The choice is clear. Either a free oil market for all or the risk of significant costs for everyone.”

As one might expect, the slight oil price drop that Trump took credit for after falsely declaring the strait was open and that Iran would be handing over its uranium was reversed and prices are going back up. Dow futures had fallen by more than 400 points late Sunday night. The brief uptick of ships going through the strait disappeared on Sunday. The ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday. Trump's elective war that has long seemed void of strategy seems to have hit the point where he's making wartime decisions for the memes.

Anyway, it's just a thought. Y'all have a good day.