The United States is facing mounting challenges in securing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as continued Iranian attacks and maritime threats expose the limits of military power in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

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Nearly five months into the conflict, U.S. naval forces continue daily operations aimed at protecting international shipping, but commercial traffic through the strait remains well below normal levels as shipowners weigh the growing risks of operating in the region.

Shipping Confidence Remains Fragile

Although the U.S. Navy has intensified operations against Iranian military assets, many shipping companies remain reluctant to send vessels through Hormuz.

Iran continues to rely on a combination of fast attack boats, drones, anti-ship missiles and naval mines to threaten commercial navigation, creating uncertainty that has pushed up freight costs, insurance premiums and global oil prices.

Maritime security experts say Tehran no longer needs to completely shut the waterway to disrupt global energy markets.

“Iran doesn’t need full control of the Strait of Hormuz to influence global trade,” said Steve Wills of the Navy League. “The ability to threaten commercial shipping is enough to increase insurance costs, discourage vessel traffic and drive up energy prices.”

U.S. Intensifies Military Operations

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says it has continued striking Iranian military infrastructure in an effort to reduce threats to commercial shipping.

Recent operations have targeted coastal surveillance systems, missile positions, naval facilities and vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier this week, U.S. forces also struck a supertanker inside the Persian Gulf as part of the renewed maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports.

Despite these operations, attacks on merchant vessels have continued, highlighting the ongoing security challenges facing commercial shipping.

Oil Markets React to Ongoing Disruption

The prolonged instability has kept upward pressure on global energy markets.

Brent crude has climbed to around $85 per barrel, reaching its highest level since before last month’s temporary ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned that restoring unrestricted navigation through Hormuz is becoming increasingly urgent.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said prolonged disruption could have significant consequences for both regional economies and energy-importing nations, stressing that the shipping corridor needs to return to full operation as quickly as possible.

Washington Acknowledges Operational Limits

While President Donald Trump recently stated that Hormuz remained open, senior U.S. officials have acknowledged the difficulty of guaranteeing safe passage through the narrow waterway.

Vice President JD Vance noted that military strikes alone cannot eliminate every threat posed by Iran’s mobile missile systems, drones and fast attack craft.

Security analysts say protecting slow-moving oil tankers in such confined waters remains one of the most difficult naval missions in modern warfare.

Naval Mines Continue to Pose Major Risk

One of the industry’s biggest concerns remains the possibility of hidden naval mines.

Although U.S. officials say a large portion of Iran’s mine-laying capability has already been destroyed, senior naval commanders acknowledge that unexploded mines likely remain in the area.

Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle recently warned that mine threats cannot yet be ruled out, reinforcing concerns among commercial operators considering voyages through the strait.

Wider Military Campaign May Be Required

Military experts believe reopening Hormuz completely could require a much larger and longer military campaign than Washington has so far been willing to undertake.

Former CENTCOM Commander General Frank McKenzie said the U.S. possesses the capability to secure the waterway if necessary, but warned that doing so would require significant military resources and could come with substantial operational costs.

Analysts also point out that expanding operations would likely divert U.S. naval assets from other global hotspots at a time of growing geopolitical tensions.

Iran’s Capabilities Prove More Resilient

Defense analysts say the conflict has demonstrated that Iran’s maritime capabilities remain more resilient than many expected before the war.

Even after months of military strikes targeting naval assets, Tehran continues to launch attacks that disrupt commercial shipping and undermine confidence among shipowners.

According to security experts, Iran’s combination of asymmetric tactics—including drones, coastal missile batteries, surveillance systems and small fast-attack boats—continues to present a persistent challenge for international naval forces.

Global Shipping Faces Continued Uncertainty

With commercial traffic still below normal levels and security risks remaining elevated, the Strait of Hormuz continues to be one of the world’s most closely watched maritime chokepoints.

For shipping companies, insurers and energy markets, the ongoing conflict serves as a reminder that restoring military control over a strategic waterway does not automatically restore commercial confidence.

Until security conditions improve and the threat to merchant vessels subsides, global supply chains and energy markets are likely to remain vulnerable to further disruptions in the Gulf.