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Iran’s recent attempt to squeeze money out of the world through a de facto “toll booth” in the Strait of Hormuz has been exposed for exactly what it is: international extortion. President Donald Trump has rightly called out Tehran, ordering U.S. forces to interdict vessels that pay unlawful fees and moving to deny the regime its illicit revenues. The Treasury has backed that stance by sanctioning the shadow networks and agencies that enabled the so‑called tolls, proving that the administration is using both muscle and law to stop the theft.
On Tuesday the President met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi to hammer out shipping and energy deals that will reduce Iraq’s exposure to the Hormuz choke point and deepen American‑Iraqi economic cooperation. These discussions are the kind of practical diplomacy conservatives have been demanding: turn economic ties into strategic leverage and force Tehran to choose between profit and provocation. Strengthening alternative export routes and onshore infrastructure is commonsense insurance against any country trying to hold global energy supplies hostage.
Republican leaders in Congress are sounding the alarm where the left refuses to; Rep. Michael McCaul cautioned against rewarding Iran before it meets clear conditions, saying the U.S. must insist the Strait remain open and Iran must be prevented from gaining nuclear capabilities. That skepticism is not obstructionism but prudence — you do not hand money or legitimacy to a regime that has shown contempt for international law and American interests. Meanwhile, Iranian attacks on commercial shipping have accelerated, making it painfully obvious that talk without enforcement would be catastrophic for global trade and American families paying higher energy bills.
Pragmatic conservative policy ideas are already on the table to blunt Iran’s leverage: Project Freedom and overland pipeline proposals would bypass the Strait and choke off Tehran’s ability to extort traffic through coercion. These are bold, pro‑growth solutions that protect global commerce and American security at the same time, and they deserve full backing from Washington instead of handwringing. If we invest in resilient infrastructure and stand ready to defend free navigation, private shippers and allied nations will follow, shrinking Iran’s ability to manipulate markets.
The choice facing America is clear: either we let rogue regimes turn a vital waterway into a cash cow, or we use every diplomatic, economic, and military tool to stop them and keep trade flowing. Conservatives should be proud that this administration has chosen strength and accountability over appeasement, pairing targeted sanctions and naval enforcement with real economic partnerships in the region. Hardworking Americans expect their leaders to protect prosperity and security, and anyone who dismisses the need to defend the Strait of Hormuz is failing the country at a dangerous moment.
