Strait of Hormuz crisis explained: Why military escorts won't work - Expert Analysis - Al Jazeera English

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As tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz, security experts warn that escorting commercial ships may not be enough to protect global oil supplies.

In this analysis, geopolitical expert James Dorsey—who witnessed naval operations during the 1980s tanker war—explains why modern threats from Iran, including drones, missiles, and fast attack boats, have made the situation far more dangerous today.

Drawing comparisons between past and present conflicts, Dorsey highlights the need for full السيطرة (control) of the waterway, including shoreline dominance, mine-clearing operations, and advanced defense systems.

Despite pressure from the United States, European powers remain hesitant to intervene militarily. The European Union has ruled out expanding its naval mission, while Germany has rejected involvement altogether.

With global energy flows at risk, control of the Strait of Hormuz could determine the course of the wider conflict. - 03/17/2026.