Trending Now - Exploring US Military's Inaction in the Strait of Hormuz
WHO:
US President Donald Trump extended a deadline for initiating strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure to April 6, 2026.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that “progress has been made” in negotiations with Iran.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the US would continue “negotiating with bombs.”
President Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Jennifer Parker, a naval expert who served for 20 years with the Royal Australian Navy, was consulted for insights.
WHAT:
Elements of two Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), totaling around 4,000 troops, are reportedly on their way to the Middle East.
Approximately 1,000 troops from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division have been alerted to deploy.
A report from the Institute for the Study of War indicated that US and/or Israeli warplanes had begun attacking Iranian military infrastructure on March 24, 2026.
Iran has targeted commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively shutting down the waterway.
The situation has caused a global fuel crisis, although some ships are still managing to transit the strait.
The US military has not yet taken military action to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
WHERE:
Kharg Island, a key fuel hub in the northern Persian Gulf, handles 90% of Tehran’s oil exports.
Seven islands in the Persian Gulf, including Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, are identified as critical for controlling the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel of water in the Persian Gulf.
WHEN:
The conflict began in late February 2026 when the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran.
WHY:
The US has not attempted to militarily secure the strait due to the need to first eliminate Iran's ability to target ships.
Securing the strait would require significant military assets and ground forces, which are currently needed for other military objectives.
The military must assess the risk to its assets versus the benefits of opening the strait.
HOW:
An occupational force of about 1,800 to 2,000 troops would be required to ensure the islands could not be used by the Iranians again.
US Navy ships can use Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCACs) to disembark troops and equipment onto beaches.
The US would need to conduct a two-phase campaign: first, eliminate Iran's ability to target ships, and second, reassure shipping safety through military presence.
The US has air power, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to identify and destroy targets.
A significant number of naval ships would be required for escort operations, with one or two ships needed per operation.
If mines are present in the strait, the US would need to conduct a mine clearance operation, which could take weeks or months.
(UPDATED March 28, 2026 05:23 UTC)
President Trump has extended the deadline for initiating strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure to April 6, 2026, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that “progress has been made” in negotiations with Iran. Meanwhile, elements of two Marine Expeditionary Units, totaling around 4,000 troops, are reportedly en route to the Middle East, and approximately 1,000 troops from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division have been alerted to deploy. A recent report indicated that US and/or Israeli warplanes began attacking Iranian military infrastructure on March 24, targeting key locations like Kharg Island, which handles 90% of Tehran’s oil exports.
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(UPDATED March 28, 2026 03:51 UTC)
President Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has targeted commercial ships, effectively shutting down the vital waterway and causing a global fuel crisis. Naval expert Jennifer Parker, who served for 20 years with the Royal Australian Navy, has been consulted for insights as the U.S. military has yet to take action to secure the strait, focusing instead on eliminating Iran's ability to target vessels. The U.S. would need to conduct a two-phase campaign involving air power and a significant naval presence, while also preparing for potential mine clearance operations that could take weeks or months.