I don’t see what the Americans could do anyway, other than go for all out war. The Americans don’t have any other influence over Iran. That might be coming regardless.
It doesn’t have to be “war”, just a total destruction of their armed forces and their leadership.
SAS and SEALS, low profile boarding. Kill all non- crewmen. Fire up the ship and just steam away and have the RN and US Navy standing by.
Not “all out war.”
“I don’t see what the Americans could do anyway, other than go for all out war.”
Destroy Kharg Island the major export center for Iranian Oil. It is a whole battery of oil storage tanks and pumps. It would burn like hell. Their economy sucks today and if such was done it would go into total collapse. Destroy the minor Iranian navel assets in the Persian Gulf. Announce that any ship be it a naval vessel or rowboat will be destroyed if it leaves port. Destroy all the pumping stations for Iranian Oil pipelines to the Gulf.
Tell them harsh message to follow:
Harsh message = individual strikes against the leaders of Iran. Make it personal.