The Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical chokepoint for oil shipments, has been effectively closed since the U.S. and Israel began the war on Iran.

According to Pete Hegseth, the United States was not planning to expand its military activities in Iran in case a need arises to convoy tankers and other vessels via the Strait of…

Vessels would be sitting ducks if foreign naval forces attempted to reopen the waterway before a cessation of hostilities, experts say.