The Strait of Hormuz has become the central flashpoint in the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran. Following airstrikes by the United States and Israel, Iran has largely blockaded the critical waterway, disrupting global oil shipments and driving up gasoline prices as the war nears its third week.

In response, the United States has increased its military presence in the region and launched repeated attacks on Iranian targets in an effort to reopen the strait. Restoring access to the passage is seen as essential to easing mounting economic pressures at home and bringing the conflict closer to an end.

President Donald Trump is also urging allied nations to deploy naval forces to safeguard oil tankers. However, strained relationships stemming from past tariffs and diplomatic tensions have complicated those efforts. While he has said the United States would assist if asked, he has argued that countries relying on the strait should take primary responsibility once Iran's threat is removed.