Iran's leaders think they have Trump cornered, but here's the catch

<p>The Strait of Hormuz is, by some accounts, named for a Zoroastrian deity destined to emerge victorious after a 9000-year standoff with an adversary. </p> <p>Iran's leaders feel their own victory is at hand and won't require the same epic patience.</p> <p>They are betting that military pressure will ultimately force the United States to accept their control over the crucial waterway for global energy — and that time is on their side.</p> <p>They know about the diminishing stockpiles of key US weapons such as advanced missile interceptors. They know the war is deeply unpopular with Americans. </p> <p>They know that as long as the strait is largely closed, the price of gas and other goods will stay high ahead of US congressional elections in November. </p> <p>They know that trying to open it by force would be costly and may require American ground troops.