And in the real world I see, the Iranian regime is able to absorb a tremendous amount of pain and stay in power.

During their war with Iraq they cleared mine fields with big groups of teenagers.

I think it’s likely they would withstand whatever the US bombing does, and in return damage tons of gulf oil and gas infrastructure, as well as ships already in the gulf.

They have the advantage here

You're absolutely right that the ratification of laws isn't of consequence here and that we live in the real world.

And in this real world Iran has successfully exerted their will over the waterway and is clearly in control of it.

That's real and that's not going away so countries will continue to pay them because they have no choice.

Iran is holding all the cards here.

Presumably, the ships that want to pass through the strait will have to care. As you said, there's no room for compromise.

> shows they don’t live in the real world.

i don't think iran is the country living in a world of delusion—to the contrary, they seem to understand how to leverage their position better than israel, the US, and the gulf states combined.

this

think there will be some coalition of some sorts

just mentioning "toll" is enough to "be made an example"