Iran's military campaign has effectively seized control of the Persian Gulf, cutting off roughly 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. This disruption stems from attacks on commercial shipping and critical infrastructure, leaving only Iranian exports to reach global markets. President Trump's recent move to lift sanctions on some Iranian oil shipments risks funneling revenue back to Tehran, undermining his goal of pressuring the regime. Instead, the administration should implement a naval blockade of Iranian tankers, as proposed by diplomat Richard Haass. This strategy would bypass Iran's Gulf chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island, targeting oil exports directly beyond the range of most Iranian weapons systems.

A blockade offers a more viable alternative to physically seizing Kharg Island or destroying its infrastructure, which could cause prolonged hardship for the Iranian people. The U.S. Navy, already deployed in the region, possesses the capability to quickly pivot to this task. Destroyers could begin intercepting tankers within days, similar to the successful Venezuela operation last December, where seized oil was sold globally while funds were blocked from reaching Caracas. This approach would strengthen Treasury efforts to make Iranian oil at sea available, alleviating global shortages without enriching the Iranian regime.

Implementing such a blockade would significantly alter the geopolitical landscape, forcing difficult negotiations from a position of strength. While it doesn't guarantee an end to Iran's Gulf siege, it strategically exploits Tehran's vulnerability to energy disruptions, potentially leading to a more sustainable resolution. The administration must act decisively to secure global energy markets and weaken Iran's ability to fund its regional aggression.