Good article here:
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/03/16/middleeast/hormuz-strait-us-navy-escorts-anal...17.3.26
The US is considering Hormuz naval escorts.
There are risks and it could go disastrously wrong.
As US President Donald Trump pressures American allies to contribute naval forces to protect shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, naval experts say such an endeavor presents a huge risk that, even if successful, might restore only about 10% of the pre-war traffic through the waterway.
Commercial traffic through the maritime chokepoint has virtually ceased since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, with Iran vowing to strike any vessels associated with the two countries or their partners.
About 20% of the world’s oil supply, plus similar or even larger amounts of liquified natural gas and fertilizer products, must pass through the narrow strait to reach world markets. Its closure has sent prices for the commodities skyrocketing.
To alleviate the economic pressures, Trump and US government officials have said plans are being made for the US Navy to escort commercial ships through the strait. And the US president has asked allies like Japan, South Korea and NATO members – and even rivals like China – to contribute military vessels for escort duties.
No offers of help have come through yet. And naval analysts say that’s reflective of the risks involved.
Naval escort operations are complex, requiring close coordination of sea and air assets to protect both tankers and merchant ships and the naval vessels themselves. ...................
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