ALWAGHT- Former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter labels the American naval blockade of Iran as unlawful and a breach of the ceasefire agreement, dismissing it as a futile display of force with no strategic benefits. He underlines that the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iran's jurisdiction, subject to Tehran's decision regarding its opening and closing.
Scott Ritter, former US intelligence officer, has criticized a recent US naval seizure of an Iranian cargo ship as illegal and a violation of the ceasefire agreement, calling it a "ridiculous show of force" with no strategic benefits. According to Ritter, the incident occurred when the ship was transitioning through the Strait of Hormuz towards the Persian Gulf, ignoring orders to stop before being fired upon and seized by US forces.
Ritter believes that the US actions were motivated purely for political reasons, intending to project an image of strength and control over Iran. He also notes that while Vice President JD Vance and his associates are waiting in Islamabad for negotiations with Iranian representatives, the latter remain in Tehran.
Ritter further comments on the failure of diplomacy between the US and Iran, stating that the collapse of the first round of Islamabad talks was due to Trump's refusal to accept a deal that would not make him appear weak. Ritter also dismisses claims that the US has significantly weakened Iran, arguing instead that Iran retains its strategic capacity and leadership strength, with active underground missile sites and accelerated production.
Ritter warns that if conflict resumes, Iran will not hesitate to retaliate with their most powerful and accurate missiles, targeting Israel, the UAE, and potentially other countries like Bahrain. He also reaffirms that control over the Strait of Hormuz lies in Iranian hands, opening and closing it at their discretion under specific protocols and clearance from the Iranian Navy.
