Scott Ritter: The Strait is Open Only When Iran Wills It; Tehran Realizes U.S. Lacks Good Faith
Tehran - BORNA - Ritter evaluated the recent U.S. maritime seizure of an Iranian cargo ship, stating: "My understanding is that an Iranian cargo vessel was transitioning the Strait of Hormuz, entering the Persian Gulf, when it was targeted. Under the ceasefire agreement reached in Islamabad between the U.S. and Iran, the illegal blockade being enforced by the U.S. has no legitimacy in international law and is a complete violation of the ceasefire."
Ritter detailed the incident, noting that after the ship ignored orders to stop, a U.S. Navy destroyer ordered the crew to evacuate the engine room before firing upon it to disable the vessel. "Then, U.S. Marines boarded and took control. This is piracy; there is no legitimacy for this action," he added.
A Psychological Operation for Trump’s Ego
Ritter described the motives behind the orders from Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth as purely psychological. "The U.S. wants to project an image where the President can claim the upper hand. If Iran goes to Islamabad and agrees to a deal, the U.S. President will say it was only because of his 'firm stance' in enforcing the blockade and 'bringing the Iranians to their senses.' It’s all a show. It has nothing to do with legally stopping the flow of ships."
He further noted that while Vice President J.D. Vance and his "Zionist overseers," Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are waiting in Islamabad, Iranian negotiators have remained in Tehran. "If I were the Iranians, I wouldn't go anywhere near the United States at this point," Ritter
The Failure of Diplomacy and the Illusion of Control
Reflecting on the collapse of the first round of Islamabad talks, Ritter explained that Trump was advised against a deal to avoid looking "weak," as Iran was the only side presenting substantive negotiating points. "Vance, Kushner, and Witkoff walked out. Then Trump started making ridiculous demands coupled with displays of force. This is the kind of mindlessness that dominates the current situation—an attempt to create the illusion that the U.S. is in control. In reality, we have no control. The Iranians are the ones deciding."
Ritter dismissed claims that the U.S. has significantly weakened Iran. "I think people like Hegseth are telling Trump that we've caused so much damage that the Iranians have no choice but to retreat. Bluntly, we’ve done zero damage to their strategic capacity. Their leadership is as strong as ever. Their underground 'missile cities' remain active, and according to the Iranians themselves, missile production has accelerated to a pace faster than before the war."
The former intelligence officer warned that if conflict resumes, Iran will not wait to absorb damage. "The moment the first bombs fall, they will strike back with their most powerful and accurate missiles. According to their own statements, they will not only target Israel with lethal blows but also render the UAE and at least one other country—perhaps Bahrain—unviable as functioning states."
Ritter concluded by reaffirming Iranian dominance over the waterway: "The Strait is open when the Iranians want it open and closed when they want it closed. Currently, Iran allows some ships to pass, but they must follow specific protocols and be cleared by the Iranian Navy."
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