Iran war: will it escalate?

The Süddeutsche Zeitung explains the motives behind the threats against Oman:

“Trump wants to give his voters in the US the impression that the US military that ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz can still do as it pleases. But it can’t. Behind the threats vis-à-vis Oman lies a bitter realisation. Tehran has the upper hand when it comes to the Strait of Hormuz. To secure control over this waterway, which is so vital to the world’s energy supply, Iran must quickly bring its Arab neighbours on board – the Saudis, Iraqis, Kuwaitis and Emiratis. And above all Oman, the country on the western shores of the strait. At the end of this war Tehran hopes that a collective security system will emerge in the Gulf. The US would then be out of the picture as a protector of the Arabs. … Iran would be the dominant power in the Gulf. That is why Trump is barking so loudly.”