WSJ: Texas Lightering Firms Too Scared of Iran to Touch Seized Cargo

The Maritime Executive

…The activist group United Against a Nuclear Iran (UANI), which first brought the Suez Rajan to the attention of American authorities, said that the case highlights the need for a more substantial U.S. naval presence in the Persian Gulf. With more destroyers and drones patrolling the Strait of Hormuz, the group argues, the Iranian threat would be reduced. "The U.S. cannot enforce oil smuggling sanctions if the shipping and related industry businesses live in fear of Iranian retaliation. Without real American deterrence, Iran can act with impunity to defeat even the best crafted sanctions laws," UANI CEO Amb. Mark D. Wallace told the Wall Street Journal.