Why the US Navy Won't Blast the Iranians and 'Open' Strait of Hormuz (responsiblestatecraft.org)

The article argues that the U.S. Navy cannot simply “blast” its way through the Strait of Hormuz because Iran has built layered, shore-based anti-ship capabilities—missiles, mines, and unmanned systems—that make close-in operations too risky and costly. It says the shift reflects a broader change in naval warfare, where cheap anti-ship weapons and shorter warning times undermine carrier-centered, airpower-dominant approaches. The piece also contends that ground-force options would not solve the underlying problem given Iran’s geography and ability to threaten ships from well back from the strait.