Why reopening Strait of Hormuz is ‘too high’ a risk for merchants — even with military escort
Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains perilous despite U.S. military escorts due to threats from Iranian drones and naval mines. Diplomatic efforts to reopen the strait are unstable, and any U.S. intervention could escalate tensions with Iran. Experts warn that the evolving threat landscape complicates naval operations and could provoke military conflict.
- ▪Commercial ships are hesitant to navigate the Strait of Hormuz due to high safety risks from Iranian threats.
- ▪The U.S. military's recent operation to secure the strait was short-lived and halted in favor of diplomatic efforts.
- ▪Iran's use of drones and naval mines presents a complex challenge for U.S. naval operations in the region.
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World News Why reopening Strait of Hormuz is ‘too high’ a risk for merchants — even with military escort By Caitlin Doornbos and Ronny Reyes Published May 20, 2026, 7:09 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Commercial ships are reluctant to traverse through the Strait of Hormuz — even with a US military escort — because of the “high” safety risk Iran’s suicide drones and network of naval mines pose, experts told The Post. While the US moved to take control of the vital waterway through “Operation Freedom,” the mission lasted less than two days with two American ships sailing through before President Trump halted the operation in favor of diplomacy.
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