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Iran-US Conflict: Strait of Hormuz Blockade and Military Response
Strait of Hormuz Blockade and Iran's Retaliatory Capabilities
Retired Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan stated that the U.S. has long prepared for the potential effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the event of conflict with Iran. He anticipated that Iran would attempt to control the strait to exert pressure on the global community. Donegan particularly highlighted Iran's capability to retaliate against offensive U.S. military operations, emphasizing that the U.S. campaign aims to degrade Iran's naval power, including its cruise missile threats, drone launch capabilities, and ability to plant mines. The objective is to prevent Iran from leveraging this critical chokepoint to project power or gain international influence.
U.S. Navy Escort Operations and International Cooperation
Admiral Donegan noted that even minor attacks, similar to those by the Houthis in the Red Sea, can halt maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. However, he affirmed that the U.S. and its international partners have conducted regular exercises to prepare for such scenarios. He explained that CENTCOM's ongoing operations are specifically designed to counter Iran's cruise missile threat, ballistic missile threat, drone capabilities, and mine warfare. Donegan also mentioned that the U.S. Navy conducts annual exercises with over 30 nations in the region, with the last one in February, to rehearse escort operations and ensure the strait remains open if Iran attempts to control or close it. This underscores the importance of international collaboration in maintaining freedom of navigation.
*Source: YouTube: ABC News (2026-03-15)*
