The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil exports, but it's also a potential death-trap in times of conflict. With Iran reportedly preparing to mine the strait, the US faces a daunting task: clearing the waterway by military force.
Despite repeated threats from President Donald Trump, the US has yet to form protected convoys for tankers, and American warships seem wary of the risks. Experts warn that the Strait's geography and Iran's layered defenses make it a challenging task, reminiscent of Britain's failed campaign in the Dardanelles during World War I.
The US is replacing wooden-hulled minesweepers with littoral-combat ships carrying mine-warfare packages, but some worry the concept is untested. Meanwhile, Iran's technological advantages in confined waters, including drones and missiles, make it harder for the US to clear the strait.
As the conflict drags on, the economic and financial impact of the oil crisis grows, and President Trump's promises of a quick resolution seem increasingly unlikely. The remnants of the clerical regime in Iran appear determined to set the terms for how the war ends, and if it has mined the Strait of Hormuz, Mr. Trump may find it impossible to declare victory quickly.
