Why Washington Avoids Military Action to Open the Strait of Hormuz

The article discusses the reasons behind Washington's preference to avoid a military option for opening the Strait of Hormuz, despite possessing adequate military forces. This is due to the complex operational environment and the high costs associated with direct confrontation. The analysis clarifies that Iran’s formidable defenses, economic calculations that consider greater harm than benefit, the existence of alternative navigation routes such as the Southern Passage through Oman, and the dangers posed by naval mines all serve as deterrents against resorting to direct military solutions. The article also highlights the strategic importance of the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb in global oil movement and trade. It explains that closing or threatening these straits would cause immense economic damage, emphasizing the need for a shared international responsibility to maintain maritime security and global market stability.