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Strait of Hormuz: Trump Admin Says Reopening May Take Months After Iran War

The Trump administration has acknowledged that reopening the Strait of Hormuz may not be feasible before the war with Iran ends, with estimates suggesting weeks to months of delay. This stems from the complex task of restoring a waterway vital for 20% of global oil supply, conflicting with Trump's timeline for conflict resolution. The president is pressuring allies, especially European nations, to take responsibility for securing the strait, but many are reluctant due to ongoing hostilities. Top U.S. officials, including Hegseth and Rubio, frame the issue as a global challenge requiring international contribution. Meanwhile, China and Pakistan have proposed a plan including strait security, as rising oil prices add economic pressure. The administration maintains that gas price spikes are temporary and linked to short-term disruptions.

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Strait of Hormuz: Trump Admin Says Reopening May Take Months After Iran War

The Trump administration has privately conceded that reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz oil chokepoint cannot be guaranteed before concluding the war with Iran, with officials estimating delays of weeks to months for full restoration.

Realistic Timeline for Reopening

  • Administration sources indicate that restoring full operational status to the strait, through which approximately 20% of global oil supply flows, could take weeks or even months.
  • This challenges President Trump's self-imposed four- to six-week deadline for ending the conflict, as military objectives and strait reopening may not align within the same timeframe.

Pressure on International Allies

  • President Trump has publicly and privately urged allies, particularly European nations, to deploy naval assets to secure the strait, arguing they rely heavily on its oil and must share the burden.
  • On Truth Social, he targeted the UK, stating: "Build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT... the U.S.A. won't be there to help you anymore."
  • Many allies are hesitant to commit during active hostilities, viewing the strait issue as a problem stemming from U.S. actions, and have only agreed to vague future cooperation without timelines.

Official Rationale and Statements

  • The White House downplays spiking gas prices, which hit $4.02 per gallon, as temporary disruptions from "Operation Epic Fury," with spokeswoman Anna Kelly citing actions like sanction relief on Russian oil and oil reserve releases.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that securing the strait is "not just a United States of America problem set," urging other countries to "learn how to fight for yourself."
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed an international coalition for post-conflict strait policing as a long-term goal, stating the U.S. is prepared to support but not lead such efforts.

International Response and Plans

  • China and Pakistan released a joint five-point plan for Middle East stability, explicitly calling for the protection of ships and restoration of normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • This move highlights growing diplomatic efforts amid U.S. efforts to cede leadership on strait security, with Rubio noting that many countries have a stake in ensuring waterways remain open.
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