Trump Defends Hormuz Blockade as Global Energy Costs Rise

The Strait of Hormuz has remained largely closed to commercial traffic since March 2026, following a war triggered in February by strikes against Iran from the United States and Israel. Donald Trump has defended the U.S. naval blockade as an effective response to Iranian attempts to obstruct the waterway, though the closure has stranded approximately 1,000 ships and disrupted one-fifth of global oil and petroleum consumption.

This energy disruption has driven up global oil prices and increased U.S. gasoline averages to $4.16. While U.S. Central Command has guided a small number of vessels through the strait near the coast of Oman, official escort operations under Project Freedom were paused shortly after their announcement. President Trump has criticized allies, including Japan, Germany, and South Korea, for providing insufficient support in reopening the route.

Former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that while the United States Navy has the capability to reopen the strait, doing so long-term would be costly and require a coordinated international effort. Austin emphasized that a lasting ceasefire is necessary to complete negotiations and restore navigation. Meanwhile, the International Chamber of Shipping warned that the weaponization of this choke point sets a dangerous precedent for other critical lanes, such as the Red Sea and the Strait of Malacca.