U.S.-Iran Escalation: Frustration Grows Over Slow Sanctions Progress

The U.S.-Iran conflict escalated over the weekend as Washington's frustration grows over the slow pace of sanctions. U.S. forces destroyed two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island, prompting Iran to retaliate with eight missiles at Jordanian air bases.

Ian Ralby, a maritime security expert, believes that the slower-moving sanctions approach may not be hurting Iran's leadership as quickly as the U.S. had anticipated.

Ralby notes that the U.S. strike is likely an attempt to break a deadlock rather than a shift in policy, and that it will unlikely alter the continuation of the blockade or economic 'warfare' being used to pressure Iran.

The conflict remains centered on oil production, with flows through the Strait of Hormuz reaching 7 million barrels per day last week via the Omani corridor under U.S. Navy escort.