“Iran threatens 45 tankers with fines, confiscation in Hormuz escalation,” Reuters, 8-24-26.

And can’t use U.S. currency or banking system. “Treasury Launches Unprecedented Campaign Against Iranian Regime on Economic D-Day,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, 8-24-26.  Beyond the Barbary Pirates strategy in the early 1800s (we aren’t sending in troops today), and the long-standing Freedom of Navigation program worldwide run by the U.S. Navy, economic sanctions are another choice.  Treasury’s plan is something that the U.S. is apparently choosing long-term (dividing countries as they have to choose), along with at least the blockade at Hormuz.   Stay tuned.

“Iranian state television broadcasts report of a $10 million reward to kill Barron Trump,” i24, 8-24-26.  “Iran’s state television broadcast a report describing ways to reach the son of US President Donald Trump, Barron, with reference to a $10 million reward. In the report, which lasts about three minutes, attempts were presented to identify ways to reach Barron Trump, using graphics depicting surveillance, online activity, and people in his surroundings. The broadcast showed locations and online platforms supposedly linked to the effort, as well as attempts to map the social connections around the president’s son and to infiltrate the Secret Service’s security layers.”

Score one for the West, and against the iron grip Iran had over Syria for four decades.  “US removes Syria from terrorism sponsor list, lifting major investment obstacle,” Reuters, 8-24-26.