Former Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, affirmed that the Navy has the necessary military capacity to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz if necessary, although he warned that a prolonged operation would require the participation of international allies due to its high cost and complexity.

During a speech at the Gulf Cooperation Council Exchange Conference organized by HSBC in London, Austin pointed out that keeping this important maritime route open is an issue that transcends American interests and directly affects the world economy.

“Without a doubt, the US Navy could open the Strait of Hormuz,” Austin stated. However, he added that maintaining the security of the sea route for an extended period would involve a significant effort, so an international coalition would be desirable to share responsibilities and resources.

The statements come at a time when the Strait of Hormuz continues to be one of the most sensitive points of global energy trade. Since the beginning of the regional conflict in the Middle East, commercial transit through the area has been severely affected, generating concern among governments, shipping companies and energy markets.

A key step for the world economy

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, becoming one of the most important shipping routes on the planet. Under normal conditions, approximately one fifth of the oil traded worldwide passes through this corridor.

The reduction in maritime traffic in the area has caused tensions in international energy markets and has contributed to increases in transportation and fuel costs. In the United States, consumers have felt some of that impact through rising gasoline prices.

Austin stated that an eventual stabilization of the situation would allow progress in diplomatic negotiations aimed at fully restoring commercial navigation. “We would like this ceasefire to be maintained so we can conclude the negotiations and get the strait open again,” said the former official. "It's important not just for the United States, but for the entire global economy. The sooner it can be achieved, the better."

Austin currently works as a consultant on national security issues after having headed the Department of Defense during the administration of former President Joe Biden.

Regional tensions and concern about other sources of conflict

The former secretary also referred to the security situation in the Middle East, noting that clashes between Israel, Iran and allied groups such as Hezbollah have complicated diplomatic efforts to reach a lasting solution.

Although Iran and Israel have shown signs of reducing direct attacks after the recent military escalation, the region continues to face a fragile scenario that keeps the main world powers on alert.

Austin indicated that the full reopening of the strait will depend largely on political and military stability in the area, as well as the success of ongoing international negotiations.

During the same conference, the former Pentagon chief also addressed the issue of Taiwan. He noted that he does not consider that Chinese President Xi Jinping has any immediate intention of taking the island by force, although he warned that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait would have much deeper economic consequences for the world than those derived from the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

The statements reflect growing concern from international experts and leaders about the vulnerability of the world's major shipping routes and the impact any prolonged disruption could have on global trade, energy and economic stability.