
The Strait of Hormuz Dilemma: Why Force Hasn’t Opened the Channel
The Conversation explains why the US hasn’t used force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz: securing the chokepoint would require a two‑phase, high‑risk campaign to first neutralize Iran’s ability to target shipping (via airpower, ISR, and striking coastal radar/command hubs) and then provide aerial/waterborne protection and mine-clearing, all while guarding against drones and surface mines. Four pragmatic constraints help explain the hesitation: pulling assets away from broader objectives (destroying Iran’s missiles, nuclear capabilities and proxies), needing land-side security along the strait, requiring a sizable escort fleet, and risking U.S. crews in a costly confrontation. Despite Iran’s attacks and reinforcements, a direct military move to secure Hormuz has not been pursued.












