CNN reports that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard harassed US naval ships in the Straight of Hormuz is a very negative development and exactly the kind of brinkmanship Iran should avoid.

We applaud the restraint of the US Navy and hopes that level heads will prevail. Iran should be criticized for playing foolish games with the peace and security of their nation and the region. Iran needs to understand the US will not be bullied and that the best path to influence they seek is the negotiation table, not conflict with the US.

DEBKA provides analysis of why Iran undertook this aggressive action. It seems that both sides believe that aggression is the best way to further their strategic goals. This could not be further from the truth. Aggressive words are not leading to aggressive actions and if both sides don’t start talking, we may find ourselves in an unnecessary and disastrous war.