A number of sources told The Jerusalem Post that if President Donald Trump decides to launch a military operation to take control of the Strait of Hormuz – an operation intended to ensure freedom of navigation – it could significantly prolong the war “by weeks, if not months.”
“This could extend the war by as much as two months,” one source familiar with the discussions said.
At present, following Iranian threats to target ships, many vessels are avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for the global energy market, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. Satellite images from the Persian Gulf show numerous ships waiting outside the strait to avoid potential attacks.
Within the Trump administration, ensuring safe navigation through the strait is now being incorporated into its war objectives. Officials are even considering the possibility of a ground operation on Iran’s Kharg Island, located in the center of the strait, after the US military struck targets there over the weekend.
US military will deploy 5,000 Marines to Strait of Hormuz
The US military has announced that 5,000 Marines will be deployed to the region, with additional forces on the way, as part of what officials describe as a move to keep “all options on the table.”
So far, many countries have stated they will not participate in Trump’s proposed regional coalition to secure navigation in the strait. This resistance has led Trump to say he is “not surprised,” adding that he has long viewed NATO as “a one-way street.”
“We spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year defending those countries, but they do nothing for us, especially in times of trouble.”
Trump further added that recent successes against Iran mean that “we do not need or want the help of NATO countries, Japan, Australia, or South Korea – we are the strongest country in the world, and we don’t need anyone’s help.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that following a phone call with Trump, the two agreed to cooperate on the Strait of Hormuz issue. “There is coordination between our air forces and navies. We will assist both through indirect actions that place immense pressure on the Iranian regime and through direct operations. There are many more surprises ahead.”
At this stage, an Israeli source told the Post that Israel’s assistance regarding the strait is limited to intelligence support rather than kinetic action. “But that can always change,” the official added