Pakistan, Sept. 30 -- The larger the scale, the greater the difficulty of maintaining precision. Physics may not be a textbook for geopolitics, but its logic can sometimes offer an interesting metaphor: when pressure expands without producing the intended result, the question is whether the pressure itself has become the strategy. The United States has moved from maritime pressure towards aviation isolation against Iran. But if the strategy remains the same, how can Washington expect a different strategic result?

In early September, the US Treasury imposed sweeping sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that foreign companies providing fuel, landing services or ticketing to Iranian carriers co...