Strait of Hormuz: US Expert Warns Military Strikes Insufficient to Reopen Vital Waterway

Escalation Continues, Strait of Hormuz at the Core of the Crisis

Military tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, with all eyes focused on the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping lane through which approximately 20% of the world's oil exports pass. With US President Donald Trump announcing that affected nations will participate in securing the strait by sending warships in coordination with Washington, concerns are mounting over the future of navigation in this strategic passage and the repercussions of any potential closure on the global economy.

Trump stated that the US military had successfully destroyed 100% of Iran's military capabilities, noting that four American refueling aircraft had returned to service after sustaining damage during an attack on a US base in Saudi Arabia, while a fifth aircraft suffered minor damage. These statements are part of the 'maximum pressure' campaign waged by the US administration against Tehran.

Strategic Strikes and Their Economic Impact

In a significant field development, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the strike carried out by American forces on Kharg Island was "precise and widespread." CENTCOM clarified that this strike resulted in the destruction of mine storage facilities, missile bunkers, and several other military sites on the island, which serves as a major hub for Iranian oil exports.

Analyzing the implications of this strike, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Sergio de la Pena explained that targeting Kharg Island falls within a strategy to pressure Iran by impacting its economic resources. De la Pena told Al Jazeera that the island is a critical and vital center for Iranian oil exports, and therefore, striking these locations represents "an attempt to control the funding sources on which the Iranian regime depends." He affirmed that such targets are considered legitimate military objectives within the context of warfare, reflecting Washington's seriousness in targeting Tehran's economic and military capabilities.

Warning Against Insufficient Military Solutions

Despite ongoing military strikes and US threats, some experts believe that a military solution alone may not be sufficient to fully resolve the crisis. In this context, Jason Campbell, a senior researcher at the Middle East Center, stated that the Strait of Hormuz has become the pivotal point in the current conflict, noting that its closure in recent days imposes heavy economic consequences on the global economy. Campbell explained to Al Jazeera that military strikes alone might not be enough to reopen the strait, warning that future developments will be crucial in determining the conflict's trajectory, especially as Iran continues to assert control over the vital maritime passage. This warning highlights the geopolitical and economic complexities surrounding the strait and suggests that the crisis may require solutions beyond traditional military options.

Internal Political Division in the United States

Domestically, the conflict has not been without clear political division in the United States. Washington witnessed anti-war protests, with demonstrators raising Palestinian and Iranian flags to denounce the military operations. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy sharply criticized the Trump administration, stating that the US president misjudged Iran's ability to retaliate and lost control of the war's trajectory, reflecting growing concern within Congress about the administration's strategy.

Conversely, several Republicans defended the White House's policy, with Senator Lindsey Graham describing the targeting of Kharg Island as a "bold and correct decision," adding that the strike could help shorten the war and achieve its objectives. This division reflects the deep disagreements over how to deal with Iran and the conflict's impact on American interests.

Anticipated Global Repercussions

Analysts believe that the rapid military developments in the region, coupled with tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, could significantly cast a shadow over the global economy and energy markets. With approximately 20% of the world's oil exports passing through this strait, any disruption directly affects global markets and energy prices, threatening widespread economic repercussions. International capitals are awaiting the outcome of the next phase of this escalation, amid fears of the conflict's expansion and its impact on regional and global stability.