The United States resumed its blockade of Iran-related shipping in part to weaken Tehran’s economy and break this position. Bahrain and Kuwait have borne much of the retaliation as both have provided important military facilities, logistics, air defenses and staging capacity to the United States. Jordan provides the United States with access to an area connecting the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Syria and Israel. Even unsuccessful attacks impose costs by compelling the United States to expend expensive defensive missiles and divert assets from offensive operations. The United States therefore faces a difficult strategic choice.