Iran seems to be having the last laugh

The restrictions imposed by Iran on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, especially oil tankers, have caught the world off guard.

Many had expected the US-Israel alliance to end the war within days, resulting in regime change.

However, there seems to be no end to the war; on the contrary, Iran has not been subdued. Regime change now appears impossible.

Iranians, despite losing prominent political and military leaders, have become more defiant than before.

US allies in the Middle East are facing Iran’s wrath through constant missile and drone attacks.

Iran, by virtue of its location and decades of military and strategic planning, appears to have full control of the strait.

A major portion of the world’s oil and gas tankers pass through these waters. The Gulf War has exposed the world’s heavy dependence on petroleum, diesel, and natural gas.

It now appears that Iran, despite earlier predictions, has emerged as a victor in the Gulf War by virtue of its control over this narrow passage.

Countries such as Russia, China, India, and others have had to seek the approval of Iranian leadership for safe passage through the strait.

The war was provoked by the US-Israel alliance. Yet, having weathered the attacks, Iran seems to be having the last laugh.

The war appears highly unsustainable, and the US seems aware of this. This may explain why US President Donald Trump is calling for peace, creating the impression that Iran is desperate.

However, Iran does not appear desperate; rather, it seems prepared for a prolonged conflict.

Years of preparation, combined with the Shia Muslim ideology of perseverance and martyrdom, appear to have equipped Iran to confront both the US and Israel.

P Ramasamy is the former deputy chief minister of Penang and chairman of political party Urimai.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of MalaysiaNow.