world 31 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Why Trump Hasn't Deployed Force to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Conflict
Iran's attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz have triggered a global fuel crisis, but the US under President Trump has not used military force to secure the vital oil route. Experts point to Iran's geographic edge with cheap drones and vessels, plus high risks and diversion from core war goals as key barriers. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/strait-of-hormuz-why-hasn-t-trump-used-force-to-secure-it--5409616
Since late February 2026, when the US and Israel initiated war against Iran, Tehran has struck back by targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow passage, critical for oil and gas trade, is now largely closed, sparking a worldwide fuel shortage despite some ships slipping through.
President Trump issued an ultimatum for Iran to restore full access and urged NATO support, yet no major US military push has followed. Naval expert Jennifer Parker, with 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy, outlines the steep challenges.
Iran’s control over the northern Persian Gulf enables cheap drone and surface vessel attacks on ships, which are tough to preempt without a full ground assault. Securing the strait demands a two-step plan: first, neutralize Iran’s targeting capacity via airstrikes on radars, command centers, and coastal bunkers. Intelligence is vital for hidden drone stores.
Phase two involves constant surveillance with early warning planes, patrols, fighter jets overhead, helicopters on standby, and warships for escorts. Suspected mines would demand lengthy clearance using divers and drones, potentially lasting weeks or months.
Four factors deter US action. It would pull aircraft from priority targets like Iran’s missiles and nukes. True security needs land control, risking ground troops or raids. Escorts require many ships, with large convoys vulnerable. Finally, endangering warship crews of over 200 against Iran’s low-cost threats outweighs benefits pre-threat reduction.
Iran might not heavily mine the strait, as it disrupts its own oil exports from Kharg Island. Acoustic mines pose indiscriminate risks, and US surveillance would spot laying efforts. Drones, launchable from anywhere, evade easy destruction despite some coastal strikes possible.
Trump’s focus remains destroying Iran’s ballistic missiles, nuclear sites, navy—mostly done—and proxies like Hezbollah, leaving strait security secondary.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)