The “swamp” in which Trump is stuck in the Middle East is becoming a threat to him in domestic politics. His poll numbers are rapidly deteriorating. According to the AP-NORC survey, support for Trump is only 33%. If Trump still has an ace up his sleeve, he should play it in the coming days. However, this is unlikely.
“You have no cards!” — this is how Donald Trump scolded the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, in an infamous scene, when he visited the White House in February 2025. After almost two months of war with Iran, this phrase fits more closely to describe Trump himself. What means of pressure are left for the Americans?
Option one. Further blockade of Iranian ports by the US
The US blocks access to Iranian ports. The United States' goal is to put an “economic noose” around the neck of the regime in Tehran. As part of this operation, there have already been shootings and an attack on two Iranian freighters. He was shot at, among others. cargo ship “TOUSKA” sailing under the Iranian flag. The American destroyer USS Spruance was involved in the operation to intercept it in the northern part of the Arabian Sea.
However, the effect of the American actions remains limited – 34 Iranian ships entered open waters despite the blockade.
Six Iranian tankers smuggled 10.7 million barrels of oil (1 barrel = 159 liters). According to the Financial Times, this could bring Tehran $910 million. (over PLN 3,303 million, calculated at the current exchange rate).
Option two. Intimidation
Trump is formulating more and more far-reaching threats: from “annihilation of civilization” to the destruction of power plants and bridges. He even talked about “bombing Iran to return it to the Stone Age.”
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However, since the end of the air war, Trump's threats have remained only in the realm of words. Tehran's intimidation seems to be having no effect.
Option three. Another ultimatum for the mullahs' regime
On Tuesday, April 21, Trump again extended the more than two-week ceasefire — after Iran refused to talk. Previously, despite several ultimatums, the ceasefire had been extended several times.
Undeterred by these setbacks, Trump set another deadline. Tehran should present a concrete peace plan “within 36 to 72 hours,” Trump announced in an interview with the New York Post on Wednesday, April 22.
Banner with Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran (illustrative photo)Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Contributor / Getty Images
The expert warns of huge oil shortages
One thing is certain: With each passing day of chaos in the Strait of Hormuz, the pressure on the global economy — and on Trump himself — increases. — There is no option to end the war, says Ben Cahill, an American energy expert and analyst specializing in issues related to oil, gas and energy transformation, in an interview with the Bild daily.
“No one currently knows when or how the Strait of Hormuz will truly reopen,” said Cahill, who is also director of energy markets and policy at the Center for the Analysis of Energy and Environmental Systems at the University of Texas at Austin.
The consequences of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are being felt around the world in the form of increasing shortages and prices of aviation fuel. Lufthansa has already canceled 20,000 flights. flights. In the US, United Airlines announced price increases of 20%.
Aviation fuel prices have already increased by 70%. due to the Iran crisis. In total, there was a shortage of about 600 million barrels on the market – about a quarter of monthly global production.
“This is a huge shock for the global energy market,” says expert Cahill, who, in addition to the above-mentioned functions, is also a senior external associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
