March 25, 2026
What It Would Take to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz
This article was originally published in Bloomberg.
Each new day that the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed to shipping casts a longer shadow over the global economy.
A return to normal traffic through the strait is unlikely while war is raging. And once the conflict eventually abates, it’s unclear how soon sailings might resume and at what level. Merely the threat of Iranian attacks has left most ship operators unwilling to brave the journey since the US and Israel began to bombard Iran on Feb. 28. Their fear won’t be entirely dispelled once the fighting dies down, or even if there’s a formal ceasefire. Some form of naval escort is likely to be required at first, and such an operation presents a host of risks and limitations.
The strait is about 140 miles (225 kilometers) long and only 25 miles wide at its narrowest point, meaning ships have little room to maneuver and are easy targets for attacks from the shore or small boats.
Here’s a visual rundown of what’s needed to get this vital artery of global trade flowing again, what a reopening might look like, and some cautionary tales from history.
Read the full article in Bloomberg.
More from CNAS
-
Embracing Private Equity in the Next Era of National Security
Commentary
Introduction For decades, the United States has fielded the world’s most advanced and capable military. It has done so despite an acquisition system that is often bureaucratic...
By General John W. Raymond & Matt O’Kane
-
President Trump Announces Two-Week Ceasefire with Iran | CNN
Video
Becca Wasser, adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security joins CNN to discuss the ceasefire in Iran.Watch the full interview on CNN....
By Becca Wasser
-
Commentary
Middle East Security / National Security Law
Continuing Crisis in Strait of Hormuz: Why Iran’s Hold is Illegal and U.S. Military Force Alone FailsIran has drawn explicit lessons from this disruption and is now seeking to institutionalize its control....
By Mark Nevitt
-
Trump to Hold Press Conference on F-15 Crew Rescue
Video
Becca Wasser, adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security joins CNN to discuss the situation surrounding the U.S. airmen rescue.Watch the full interview on...
By Becca Wasser
