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‑escalat

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.