President Trump's "war" on Iran, while potentially ill-managed, aligns with "energy realism." A military operation to forcibly open the Strait of Hormuz against Iran, armed with drones and mines, would be costly, open-ended, and disproportionate.

However, the renewed blockade of Iran's ports, decreed by Mr. Trump, offers a more practical approach. This blockade wouldn't necessitate the U.S. Navy entering the restricted waters of the Persian Gulf. Instead, it could be effectively enforced through long-range air operations and ship interceptions in open seas.

This strategy leverages the existing capabilities of the U.S. military without the extreme risks of a direct confrontation in the Gulf. The "energy realism" aspect suggests that even a poorly executed "war" can yield benefits if its objectives are sound from an energy market perspective. The blockade, therefore, represents a "saving grace" in the administration's approach to Iran.