# Speculation for and/or Consequences to the US and Elsewhere for Engaging in the Bombing of Iran and Other Targets **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** iran-strikes-2026\ **Created:** [March 4, 2026, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210 "2026-03-04T22:01:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 24
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/461 "2026-04-13T12:41:07Z")
With big neon letters that read: TRUMP WAS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!! ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/462 "2026-04-13T12:42:29Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > Extending the bombing from small drug speed boats with a crew of five to supertankers is **[a bit of a jump, isn’t it?](https://youtu.be/azkFz1ZbXyU?t=131)** Not really, no. You are also assuming that they _are_ “drug speed boats”, which we have no reason to believe. And we’ve [killed at least 130](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn5g2g56qggo) people in the process, what’s a few more? Trump sure isn’t going to care. Given his lack of concern over bombing a school, I wouldn’t expect him to care if the ship blown up was a cruise ship carrying a few thousand tourists. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2026, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/463 "2026-04-13T14:00:39Z")
The environmental damage of taking out a tanker in the strait would be staggering. That’s another thing Trump obviously doesn’t care about. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/464 "2026-04-14T06:55:17Z")
[You might want to cross Albania off your itenerary.](https://www.aol.com/articles/u-issues-security-alert-stunning-150920444.html) > [@](#): > > The U.S. State Department has issued a new warning for Americans visiting a European travel destination that is continuing to grow in popularity among foreign tourists. > > Earlier this month, the U.S. Embassy in Tirana, Albania, encouraged American citizens to “exercise increased vigilance” while visiting the European capital city. The [April 1 security alert](https://al.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-tirana-albania-april-1-2026/?utm_source=syndication) specifically cited that “groups associated with Iran may seek to target entities associated with the U.S. or Iranian opposition elements in Albania.” > > The alert further warns that these groups “may also target common venues, such as tourist sites, shopping malls, hotels, clubs and restaurants.” ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2026, 8:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/465 "2026-04-14T08:40:34Z")
The **[Handelsblatt](https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/iran-krieg-sanktionierte-tanker-passieren-strasse-von-hormus-trotz-us-blockade/100136895.html)** (German link) reports: > According to shipping data, a Chinese tanker subject to US sanctions has crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite a US blockade. According to data from providers LSEG, MarineTraffic and Kpler, it is the first vessel to have successfully transited from the Persian Gulf since the US blockade began on Monday. > The medium-sized tanker “Rich Starry” is reported to have around 250,000 barrels of methanol on board, which it loaded at the port of Hamrija in the United Arab Emirates. The ship and its owner, Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping, have been placed on a US sanctions list for doing business with Iran. > Another tanker subject to US sanctions is also currently passing through the strait. The “Murlikishan” flies the Madagascan flag and has been on a US sanctions list since the end of 2025. According to data from Kpler, the empty tanker is due to load heating oil in Iraq. The vessel has previously transported Russian and Iranian oil. The US intends to block all shipping traffic to and from Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz and also to deny passage to vessels that pay the transit fees demanded by Iran to Tehran. ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/466 "2026-04-15T07:23:23Z")
> [@](#): > > According to shipping data, a Chinese tanker subject to US sanctions has crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite a US blockade. Setting up a game of geopolitical bluff where a Chinese flagged, China destined, Karg Island loaded and Iranian toll paid vessel enters international waters on it’s outward voyage and doesn’t heed USN demands to stop. A fully loaded Ultra Large Crude Carrier (ULCC), carrying around 3mill barrels of crude requires 5 to 9 kilometers (3 to 5.5 miles) to come to a complete stop from its service speed of about 16 knots, presumably if they are trying to stop. Captains of these leviathans often idle engines and reduce speed significantly 25km (15 miles) before entering a port. Is the USN going to provoke an international incident by firing on, boarding, commandeering, even sinking and unleasing an environment catastrophe with an oil spill 2/3rd the size of _DeepWater Horizon_ in international waters on a such a ULCC on an assigned bearing? I envision a rather comic sight of a US carrier group scattering to make way for a supertanker travelling on a constant bearing @ 15 knots. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/467 "2026-04-15T09:26:10Z")
> [@penultima\_thule](#): > > Is the USN going to provoke an international incident by firing on, boarding, commandeering, even sinking and unleasing an environment catastrophe with an oil spill 2/3rd the size of _DeepWater Horizon_ in international waters on a such a ULCC on an assigned bearing? Quite the dilemma, since if they don’t Trump will likely have them punished, but if they do he’ll _still_ go after them over the resulting international outcry. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/468 "2026-04-15T19:18:45Z")
> **[In group chats and meetings, Republicans are privately petrified the Iran war...](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/group-chats-meetings-republicans-are-privately-petrified-iran-war-cost-rcna273642)** > > Many Republican lawmakers and strategists told NBC News they worry the party has little to run on. “Right now, the voters don’t see a message or a strategy,” a Trump pollster said. > Many Republican lawmakers and strategists told NBC News they worry the party has little to run on. “Right now, the voters don’t see a message or a strategy,” a Trump pollster said. ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/469 "2026-04-15T21:02:19Z")
> [@NBC News](#): > > “Right now, the voters don’t see a message or a strategy,” Hasn’t the message & strategy been on display (with flashing neon) for some time now? There was that Project 2025 manifesto released in 2023. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2026, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/470 "2026-04-15T22:26:32Z")
> [@penultima\_thule](#): > > Hasn’t the message & strategy been on display (with flashing neon) for some time now? > There was that Project 2025 manifesto released in 2023. They were talking about the non-100% committed MAGA vote, i.e. the old school Republicans and the Indy voters. That message doesnt work for them. ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2026, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/471 "2026-04-16T00:21:41Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > the old school Republicans and the Indy voters. These people haven’t watched a current affair program in the past several months? These people aren’t saying “Go you good thing. Bugger, isn’t gas expensive?” ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2026, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/472 "2026-04-16T14:36:20Z")
> [@penultima\_thule](#): > > These people aren’t saying “Go you good thing. Bugger, isn’t gas expensive?” In Canada, our MAGA Maples are busy blaming Carney for our high gas prices. “It’s all the taxes” they bleat, even as Carney removes the federal excise tax on gasoline. Nothing can penetrate the thick skulls. ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2026, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/473 "2026-04-16T14:59:18Z")
With the blockade, it’s quickly looking like there are no outs here. If it were only America and Iran in this war, then we could just give Iran everything they want (including enrichment and reparations), on the single proviso that the strait is fully open again. As long as gas prices come down, MAGA gaslighting and a compliant media can sell everything else as a victory. _The blockade worked!_ But Israel would never accept that. So that door is closed too. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2026, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/474 "2026-04-17T01:18:22Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > At some point, the stockpile of high tech missiles is going to need to be replenished. Hey, no problem! Trump’s gonna get US manufacturing onto a war footing! > **[Trump administration taps automakers to boost weapons production in...](https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-administration-taps-automakers-boost-weapons-production-wwii-style-push)** > > The Trump administration is turning to automakers and manufacturers to boost weapons production in a World War II-style Pentagon push, officials say. ---
**Author:** ![DWMarch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwmarch/32/1010_2.png) [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2026, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/475 "2026-04-17T01:40:23Z")
> [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#): > > Hey, no problem! Trump’s gonna get US manufacturing onto a war footing! They should start with **food** , that seems to be a problem right now: > **[Cookies, deodorant, socks. Iran war puts military packages in limbo](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/04/16/iran-war-mail-packages-middle-east/89609308007/)** > > Thousands of boxes sent to service members in Middle East are stuck in limbo. The Postal Service has indefinitely suspended delivery amid Iran war. ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2026, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/476 "2026-04-17T03:17:57Z")
> [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#): > > Hey, no problem! Trump’s gonna get US manufacturing onto a war footing! I don’t see that being all that successful. Compared with today, a WWII tank, bomb, or other weapon was bloody simple. Producing one of today’s missiles is not a simple thing. Probably the best way to increase production is to give the companies that already make them some money to add another production line. Even that would probably take at least half a year to get going. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2026, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/477 "2026-04-17T03:29:03Z")
Oh, yes, that’s the objective reality of the situation, of course, which means our Mad King is utterly oblivious to the facts. No doubt the auto execs humored him while extracting as much financial gain as they could. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2026, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/478 "2026-04-17T03:44:00Z")
Speaking to specifics - my wife is a Senior Engineer at a microchip firm that produces various boutique level chips including some with military applications that have recipes that cannot be altered. One of the common substrates in many chips is Tungsten (note, this is a SINGLE element in production, you can guess how many others are similar). > **[Tungsten Prices Surge 557% as China Export Limits Tighten Global Supply](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tungsten-prices-surge-557-china-131845130.html)** > > Military demand and shrinking Chinese shipments push the critical weapons and semiconductor metal to record highs. 557% increase in cost. Now, I’m sticking to general terms, but those costs are NOT going to absorbed by the company, especially after getting burned in the boom/bust cycle for chips during and after Covid. NO ONE is going to be eager to start up new lines (or even put mothballed lines back into active use) without a major, upfront infusion of cash, unlike the CHIPS act that worked on a partial reimbursement basis. And that leaves out the cost of hiring new staff, getting them trained as operators, etc. etc. etc. Exactly as @dtilque put it, this is not technology that can be run off any general tool line. And the time to have started the lead up to allow increased production at all levels was years ago, certainly not after initiating a conflict. Automakers are in no way equipped to handle (per @EddyTeddyFreddy’s cite) > The talks come as the military seeks to increase production of munitions and tactical hardware, including missiles and counter-drone technology, the report said. I _suspect_ that the whole article reflects the Trump administrations absolute lack of knowledge and experience while the auto makers trying to politely explain to them that they’re out of their minds. ---
**Author:** ![Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiendish_astronaut/32/3295_2.png) [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2026, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/479 "2026-04-19T22:50:01Z")
Iran has been emboldened. This is something that the world will surely not accept. > **[Tehran will never cede control of Strait of Hormuz, senior Iranian politician...](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg4jnn131qo)** > > Lyse Doucet speaks to Ebrahim Azizi, who says Iran "will decide the right of passage" through the crucial shipping route. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210/480 "2026-04-20T01:17:08Z")
> [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](#): > > Iran has been emboldened. This is something that the world will surely not accept. Or, thanks to Trump we’re simply looking at the end of the era where [free passage across the seas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_the_seas) was an accepted principle. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210.md?page=23) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speculation-for-and-or-consequences-to-the-us-and-elsewhere-for-engaging-in-the-bombing-of-iran-and-other-targets/1028210.md?page=25)