The US is preparing for a possible forceful reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that Iran has been menacing since the start of Operation Epic Fury.
Two amphibious units of US Marines are en route to the Gulf, with an elite infantry division set to follow. The deployment suggests that President Trump is contemplating an attempt to pry open the strait by force, a daunting task given Iran's military capabilities.
The Pentagon has a three-phased plan to open the strait, involving the hunting down of Iranian military assets, sweeping for mines, and escorting tankers through the strait. Each stage could take several weeks and poses significant risks to American forces.
Iran has many ways to attack ships, including missiles, drones, speedboats, and mines. The US Navy has been pummelling Iran's shores, but it's hard to eliminate all potential threats. Deploying special forces or Marines on nearby islands to spot and destroy targets is being considered, but it's a risky move.
Clearing mines would be equally fraught, with conflicting reports about whether Iran has deployed any. Shipping firms are reluctant to take their chances, and the US Navy has long neglected mine warfare.
Escorting tankers through the strait would be the most complex and perilous phase of the operation, requiring dozens of drones, attack helicopters, and fighters circling protectively overhead. The navy would need a destroyer to accompany every couple of tankers, but bringing more destroyers to the Gulf could take weeks and divert yet more American forces.
