The Pentagon is actively working on strategies to resume the flow of crude oil tankers and cargo ships through the Persian Gulf. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the White House to prioritize the resumption of regional trade, according to Gen. Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who addressed reporters on Tuesday.
Caine outlined that the military is exploring various options to facilitate commercial maritime traffic. “We’ll look at the range of options to set the military conditions to be able to do that,” he stated during a Defense Department briefing. He emphasized the importance of assessing required resources, command structures, and risk mitigation strategies before presenting plans to the Secretary of Defense and the President.
Since the onset of U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran on February 28, 2026, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has drastically diminished. This strait is a critical passageway, handling approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. On March 9, 2026, the price of Brent crude oil surged to $94.35 per barrel, a significant increase from $71.32 just days before the conflict began.
President Trump has publicly stated that the United States stands ready to retaliate against any Iranian efforts to obstruct oil shipments through the strait. “When the time comes, the U.S. Navy and its partners will escort tankers through the strait, if needed,” he declared during a press conference in Florida, adding, “I hope it’s not going to be needed, but if it’s needed, we’ll escort them right through.”
As the conflict escalates, U.S. Central Command has reported the destruction of 16 Iranian minelaying vessels in proximity to the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing military operations raise concerns about a potential closure of this strategic gateway, particularly as Iranian forces have threatened to enforce such a blockade in response to U.S.-Israeli attacks.
Caine mentioned that while military escorts for tankers have been proposed, no such operations have commenced to date. “It took weeks for the U.S. and multinational partners to begin providing protection to commercial shipping during the conflict with the Houthis in the Red Sea,” noted Dominick Donald, an advisor to the Joint War Committee. He explained that opting for U.S. protection could make certain vessels targets in the ongoing conflict.
In parallel, France and several other countries are coordinating a support mission aimed at escorting merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that this mission would commence “as soon as possible after the most intense phase of the conflict has ended.”
Recent data reveals a stark decline in cargo vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz. Between March 1 and 9, only 39 cargo vessels passed through, a dramatic drop from 98 on February 28. Tanker movements were even more severely affected, with just 10 transits during the same period, down from 50 on the last day of February. Historical averages suggest that the strait typically sees around 138 vessels daily.
The situation remains critical, as the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) has classified the overall maritime risk level for the Middle East as critical, indicating that attacks on commercial vessels are highly likely. Since the conflict began, 13 commercial vessels have reportedly been struck by projectiles, including the U.S.-flagged tanker Stena Imperative, which sustained damage while docked in Bahrain.
The halt in maritime movement has left approximately 150 ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters. The risk of war has prompted insurance brokers to reevaluate contracts, with the U.S. offering up to $20 billion in backing through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. This financial support is designed to assure shipping companies amid heightened risks.
Despite the offer of insurance, many ships remain hesitant to transit the strait due to fears of attacks and the ongoing uncertainty regarding the conflict. Unlike the situation in the Red Sea during the war between Israel and Hamas, which had alternative routes, the Strait of Hormuz presents few options for vessels seeking to bypass the conflict zone.
The Iranian military’s response remains uncertain. While the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) has not played a prominent role in the current conflict, experts warn that it could become more active in response to perceived threats. Additionally, the potential use of mines by Iran poses a significant risk, as the U.S. has previously highlighted concerns about Iran’s mining capabilities in the region.
Caine reiterated that U.S. military operations would continue to target Iranian naval capabilities to assure safe passage through the strait. As the military evaluates its options, the situation in the Persian Gulf remains fluid, with international implications for energy markets and regional stability.
