How to Keep Iran Out of the Strait of Hormuz

National Interest  |  Mark Kimmitt

The United States launched heavy airstrikes against eighty Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets on July 7, escalating to ninety targets on July 8, to contest Iranian efforts to impose hegemonic control over the Strait of Hormuz. These formidable military actions responded to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels, signaling a restart of the US-Iran War.

To counter Tehran's demands for unreasonable transit fees and threats to international commerce, a multi-pronged strategy combining economic retaliation and freedom of navigation operations is required. Specifically, the international community can rebate transit fees from frozen Iranian assets, while signatories of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea conduct mandatory blockade-running maneuvers. Furthermore, specialized electronic warfare assets like EA-37B Compass Call aircraft can jam or destroy Iranian transmitters. Although these measures risk military retaliation, allowing Iran veto power over a chokepoint carrying 20 percent of global energy flows presents an intolerable threat.

Comment

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz directly threaten India's energy security. New Delhi must diversify its oil import routes. Stronger naval deployments in the western Indian Ocean will secure vital sea lanes. India should also strengthen its strategic partnerships with regional littoral states.

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