Former US defense secretary Lloyd Austin said the US Navy can reopen the Strait
of Hormuz, a key oil and gas shipping route, but that keeping it open long term
would be costly and would require allied participation. Austin said if the US
takes action to restore passage, it would seek partners to share the burden
because freedom of navigation matters globally. He added that Israel’s ongoing
strikes on HEZBOLLAH are a major obstacle to broader diplomatic efforts to end
the war and urged de‑escalation so negotiations can proceed.
