As US President Donald Trump pressures American allies to contribute naval forces to protect shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, naval experts say such an endeavor presents a huge risk that, even if successful, might restore only about 10% of the pre-war traffic through the waterway.
Commercial traffic through the maritime chokepoint has virtually ceased since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, with Iran vowing to strike any vessels associated with the two countries or their partners.
About 20% of the world’s oil supply, plus similar or even larger amounts of liquified natural gas and fertilizer products, must pass through the narrow strait to reach world markets. Its closure has sent…