The U.S. Navy has refused near-daily requests from the shipping industry for military escorts through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the war on Iran, saying the risk of attacks is too high for now, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The Navy’s assessments spell continued disruption to Middle East oil exports and reflect a divergence from Donald Trump’s statements that the U.S. is prepared to provide naval escorts whenever needed to restart regular shipments along the key waterway.
Shipping along the narrow strait has all but halted since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran more than a week ago, preventing exports of around a fifth of the world’s oil supply and sending global oil prices surging to highs not seen since 2022.
Modern warships basically gave up on heavy armour. Instead they use manoeuvrability and suppressive fire. They are also intended to support each other in a fleet. A single warship, running close escort, loses all these advantages. It can’t outmanoeuvre an attack, and it lacks the firepower to suppress a heavy attack on its own. Iran would make a point to try and sink both the escort ship and its protected cargo ship.
In order to work, the American navy would have to run a full convoy. A far bigger logistical challenge.
I have a feeling that there is or will be a water-borne version of a shahed drone. Something small and cheap and mobile vs big expensive high tech ships.
I suspect it wouldn’t be anywhere near as effective. Torpedoes fill that roll already (at least mostly).
A shahed drone carrying a modified torpedo could be terrifying however. The drone gets into range quickly. The torpedo makes final approach. It would also be a lot quicker for Iran to develop and deploy.