For Iran, the strategy is familiar: to ensure maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is kept to an absolute minimum . Despite Trump’s repeated declarations that Tehran is begging for a deal, the Iranians stress no talks are occurring with the United States. Re-opening the strait is now as important to the United States as containing Iran’s nuclear program, if not more so. If the Trump administration seeks to extricate itself from a war without end, its best option is to accept a toll or fee structure in the regional chokepoint. Ceding the point would be the most efficient way for the United States to remove itself from a foolish conflict at minimal cost.