Foreign policy expert Jürgen Hardt of the CDU believes that the announcement of a potential US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is primarily a negotiation tactic employed by the US President. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” on Monday, Hardt stated that President Trump would not benefit from having blocked trade routes. According to the CDU official, such a move would lead to rising costs, even within the United States, thereby weakening his position domestically. Hardt suggested that both parties are attempting to enhance their bargaining positions. He concluded by advising that his statements regarding a possible US blockade should be viewed as strategic negotiating maneuvers, adding that they have learned not to take every word from Trump as an immediate, final commitment.
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