Currently, President Trump is overseeing control of the Strait of Hormuz. His immediate aim seems to be pressuring Iranian leaders to abandon their nuclear plans. But there’s more at stake; the economic blockade is also significantly impacting China. At this moment, any oil and petrochemical shipments passing through that waterway will do so under the watch of the U.S. Navy. China, as of now, can only observe.
In a statement, President Trump warned, “If any of these ships come close to our blockade, they will be immediately eliminated using the same killing systems we use against drug traffickers on boats at sea. It’s quick and brutal.”
Admiral Brad Cooper, leading U.S. Central Command, has devised a strategy to restrict Iran while letting Gulf nations continue their shipping activities. According to U.S. Central Command, “The blockade will be enforced fairly against all vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.”
Here’s the general process: If a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) is departing from a UAE or Saudi port, U.S. Central Command says it can proceed without issue. They remind operators to stay in touch with the Navy on VHF channel 16 for communications.
However, if a ship is loading cargo in Iran, that complicates matters significantly. U.S. Central Command maintains constant surveillance of aircraft and vessels. It resembles the dramatic scenes often seen during drug raids in the Caribbean. Their military systems can even “rewind” and track ships back to their points of departure. Ships violating regulations may be intercepted, regardless of how deep into the waters they venture. Numerous U.S. naval forces are stationed in the northern Arabian Gulf.
Mr. Lloyd estimates that around 500 to 700 ships are currently stuck in the Channel, with an even higher count when considering smaller vessels under 10,000 deadweight tons. CENTCOM has begun to take measures. Over the weekend, the guided missile destroyers Frank E. Petersen (DDG-121) and Michael Murphy (DDG-112) sailed north through the strait and then returned south, establishing a mine-free route. According to Cooper, CENTCOM plans to share this secure pathway with the maritime industry, promoting the smooth flow of commerce. So, traffic should gradually increase, although adjusting shipping destinations will take some time.
Meanwhile, no vessel can approach an Iranian port without being monitored. Several systems are in operation under Central Command’s new regulations.
P-8 Poseidon and MQ-4 Triton aircraft are continually providing surveillance over the Strait, with radar that can track maritime targets effectively.
The E-2D Hawkeye operates from the USS Abraham Lincoln, equipped with a large radar antenna that can monitor 3,000 air, land, and sea targets simultaneously within a 360-degree view. Real-time monitoring remains crucial.
The USS Tripoli (LHA-7) carries around 2,200 Marines along with its own air wing. It’s equipped with F-35B fighter jets and can conduct various operations, including locating mines and tracking IRGC small boats if needed. The Tripoli can also support boarding operations if necessary.
The U.S. Navy fields about a dozen Aegis ships in the area, adding to the formidable missile defense capabilities in the region.
As of now, there’s limited recourse for Iran to counter President Trump’s blockade. An airstrike recently destroyed an underground anti-ship cruise missile site. Any attempt by Revolutionary Guards’ boats at high-speed hit-and-run tactics would likely end in disaster. There are also defenses against drones, and U.S. military aircraft remain vigilant in the area, ready to respond if Iran takes any action.
This blockade of Iranian ports symbolizes U.S. dominance in both air and sea realms. It also serves as a stark reminder to Xi Jinping of China’s vulnerabilities. China requires about 11 million barrels of oil daily, with 90% transported by sea. While President Trump seeks to ensure free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, he is showcasing the U.S. Navy’s capacity to control this critical oil route at will, posing a significant challenge to both China and Russia.
