US says the Strait of Hormuz will become useless within two years, signals expansion of overland oil pipelines

The United States has begun treating Iranian tanker attacks with a “tanker for tanker” response, expanding its military campaign over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Washington resumed large-scale attacks on Iran on the first day of the month, only two days after striking to prevent Iran from laying mines in the strategic waterway. The latest operation hit not only Iranian military facilities but also tankers owned by the Iranian government.

The move followed attacks by Iran on some tankers transiting the strait. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at US military bases in the Middle East, putting the conflict, which has continued for more than six months, at another point of possible escalation.

US Central Command said it had completed a series of strikes on facilities and capabilities linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The targets included air-defense installations, radar systems, maritime assets and facilities, mine-laying capabilities, and communications infrastructure.

The United States also signaled a longer-term effort to reduce the strait’s importance. The headline cited a US view that Hormuz could become “a useless waterway” within two years, alongside indications that Washington may support expanding overland oil pipelines.

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The Strait of Hormuz will become a useless waterway.