WASHINGTON (FN), The U.S. military is drafting contingency plans to strike Iranian defenses in the Strait of Hormuz if a fragile ceasefire collapses, officials said Friday.
The plans focus on neutralizing mines, fast-attack boats, and coastal missile batteries that could threaten global oil shipments through the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of the world’s petroleum trade, making it a critical chokepoint for international energy markets.
Military officials cautioned that limited strikes may not be enough to reopen the strait if Iran escalates. Broader options under consideration include targeting Iranian energy infrastructure and military leaders seen as obstructing negotiations. Such moves would represent a significant escalation and risk widening the conflict.
The Pentagon’s planning comes amid heightened tensions following repeated disruptions of shipping lanes despite the ceasefire. Analysts say the contingency measures underscore Washington’s determination to keep the strait open while balancing the risks of military action against diplomatic fallout.
The Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint in U.S.–Iran relations. In past decades, Iran has threatened to close the waterway in response to sanctions or military pressure, while the U.S. and its allies have maintained naval patrols to ensure freedom of navigation. During the 1980s “Tanker War,” U.S. forces clashed with Iranian units after repeated attacks on oil shipments. More recently, tensions spiked in 2019 when Iran seized foreign tankers and shot down a U.S. drone, prompting fears of open conflict.
The current ceasefire was brokered to ease regional tensions after months of skirmishes involving Iranian-backed groups. But continued disruptions in the strait have raised doubts about Iran’s commitment, pushing Washington to prepare military options should diplomacy fail.
