US Holds Off on Reopening Hormuz as Strategy Options Multiply

Despite weeks of speculation about a game-changing US operation to fully open the Strait of Hormuz, officials say such an action is not imminent and may not occur at all. Washington is weighing three main strategies—targeted strikes on Iran’s oil and gas sectors; an escalated naval/air effort to clear shipping; and a pressure campaign potentially including Kharg Island—while noting that clearing the strait would require significant time and possibly boots on the ground, limiting near-term action despite Trump’s signals about diplomacy.