Front Burner Can the U.S. re-open the Strait of Hormuz alone?
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Mar 19, 2026 Aaron Ettinger, a Carleton University political science professor focused on international security, breaks down the Iran–U.S. standoff. He explains why allies balk at military action. He outlines what reopening the Strait of Hormuz would require, Iran’s leverage, and the diplomatic and escalation risks. He also considers possible multinational paths and China’s potential broker role.
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Allies Refuse Military Role Over Political Calculations
- Major U.S. allies have largely refused to join military efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz despite shared interests like preventing Iranian nuclear proliferation.
- Aaron Ettinger points to political calculations, desire to uphold international law, and reluctance to be dragged into a U.S. unilateral campaign as reasons for non-participation.
Allies Buy Operational Relief And Legitimacy
- The U.S. could militarily clear the strait alone, but allied participation adds logistical relief and international legitimacy.
- Ettinger emphasizes allies can reduce operational strain and lend broader credibility to U.S. actions, easing domestic and global political costs.
Clearing Waters Is Easy Ending Land Threats Is Not
- Militarily reopening the strait is tactically feasible but politically costly because many attacks originate from Iranian territory.
- Ettinger warns that addressing land-based drone and rocket threats would require strikes inside Iran, escalating the conflict significantly.