Washington, D.C. – The escalating tensions between the United States and Iran underscore the urgent need for a strong and principled approach to foreign policy. The absence of a deal risks closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway. Avoiding global crisis requires a renewed commitment to protecting American interests and allies, while resisting policies of appeasement that could embolden hostile actors.

The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global energy security cannot be overstated. A potential closure would represent a direct threat to the economic stability of the United States and its allies, underscoring the necessity of maintaining a strong military presence in the region.

The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the United States rightly withdrew, was a fundamentally flawed agreement that failed to address Iran's malign behavior and its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Returning to this agreement would be a grave mistake.

Iran's continued violations of the JCPOA and its support for terrorist groups throughout the region demonstrate that it cannot be trusted. Any future agreement must include verifiable mechanisms to ensure that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons and that it is not supporting terrorism.

The economic ramifications of a Strait of Hormuz closure would be devastating for the global economy. Higher energy prices would fuel inflation, reduce economic growth, and create instability in financial markets. This would undermine American prosperity and threaten the livelihoods of hardworking families.

The potential for conflict in the region poses a direct threat to American national security interests. A strong military deterrent is essential to prevent Iran from taking aggressive actions that could destabilize the region and endanger American lives.

Reviving the JCPOA would not only fail to address Iran's malign behavior but would also embolden it to continue its destabilizing activities. A better approach is to maintain strong sanctions on Iran and to work with allies to counter its aggression.

Interim agreements or confidence-building measures should not be pursued if they weaken the pressure on Iran or provide it with resources that it could use to advance its nuclear program or support terrorism. Any engagement with Iran must be based on a clear understanding of its intentions and a firm commitment to protecting American interests.

The international community must stand united in condemning Iran's malign behavior and in demanding that it comply with its international obligations. A strong and principled approach is essential to deter aggression and to promote peace and stability in the region. Policies of appeasement have historically failed to prevent conflict and have often emboldened aggressors. The US must stand firm against the Iranian threat.

In addition to the immediate security concerns, the lack of a US-Iran deal perpetuates a dangerous situation that could lead to a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. A strong American presence in the region is essential to deter Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons and to ensure that other countries do not follow suit. The US must continue to work with its allies to counter Iranian aggression and to promote stability in the region.

The need for a firm and principled approach to dealing with Iran is more urgent than ever. A failure to deter aggression and to protect American interests could have catastrophic consequences for the United States and the world. Only through strength can peace be achieved. The Strait of Hormuz and stability within the region must be a key US focus.

Sources: * U.S. Department of Defense * Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) * U.S. Department of the Treasury