The Monocle Daily As Washington plays down disruption, how safe is the Strait of Hormuz?
Mar 13, 2026
Joanna Dudley, interdisciplinary performer planning a Julie and Juliet installation. Fernando Augusto Pacheco, film critic and Oscars desk chief. H.J. Mai, Washington reporter on U.S. defence and foreign policy. They probe U.S. messaging on the Strait of Hormuz, debate readiness and political splits. Arts conversations cover installation design, film awards and interviews with filmmakers.
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U.S. Strategy Lacks Clear Public Objectives
- U.S. messaging about Iran is unclear with competing objectives from regime decimation to undefined endgames.
- H.J. Mai notes no clear public goal beyond degrading Iran's military and that leadership claims lack concrete evidence.
Strait Of Hormuz Remains Insecure
- The U.S. struggles to secure the Strait of Hormuz and cannot yet escort tankers through it.
- H.J. Mai reports Pentagon can strike Iranian navy and boats but lacks current capability to guarantee safe passage, targeting end-of-month hope.
Pentagon Downplays Yet Admits Limitations
- U.S. Pentagon messaging downplays disruption while admitting limited countermeasures.
- Pete Hegseth pushed back on media but acknowledged strikes on Iranian navy and concerns about mines and escort capabilities.