Iran's ayatollahs are again testing U.S. resolve

Iran’s threats to close the vital Strait of Hormuz, its naval exercises in nearby waters, and the ominous increase in tensions over its nuclear weapons program all point to a dangerous year ahead. Even worse, Iran’s belligerent rhetoric and behavior today only foreshadow its behavior once it becomes a nuclear weapon-armed state.

Iran undoubtedly wants to avoid further economic sanctions, and is threatening the weak and unstable global economy to magnify the potential effect of any interruption in vital oil shipments from the Gulf region.