U.S., Allies Launch Air Offensive to Reopen Strait of Hormuz as Global Energy Route Remains Blocked

American forces and allies deploy aircraft and helicopters to counter Iranian threats and restore shipping through critical oil corridor.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

The United States has begun a military campaign to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, launching airstrikes against Iranian vessels as part of a broader effort with allied nations to restore access to one of the world’s most vital energy shipping routes.

Pentagon officials confirmed that U.S. forces are actively targeting Iranian assets in the strait, which has been largely obstructed by Tehran through the use of mines, fast-attack craft, and missile threats. The operation includes low-altitude aircraft and attack helicopters engaging Iranian vessels and aerial threats.

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a March 19 briefing that the A-10 aircraft has been deployed in combat operations. “The A-10 Warthog is now in the fight across the southern flank and is hunting and killing fast attack watercraft in the Straits of Hormuz,” he said. “In addition, AH-64 Apaches have joined the fight on the southern flank, and they continue to work on the southern side. And that includes some of our allies who are using Apaches to handle one way attack drones.”

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, and its disruption has slowed maritime traffic significantly. While some vessels have been allowed to pass, shipping volumes have declined sharply, contributing to rising oil prices and broader concerns over inflation and supply shortages, including impacts on fertilizer distribution.

U.S. officials have indicated that naval escorts may be deployed to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels, either independently or through a multinational coalition. In addition, the United States has considered releasing oil from its strategic reserves to stabilize energy markets.

Efforts to build international support have intensified, with President Donald Trump urging allied nations to contribute to reopening the strait and countering what the International Energy Agency has called the largest disruption to global oil supply on record.

“I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so called ‘Strait?’” Trump wrote in a March 18 social media post. “That would get some of our non-responsive ‘Allies’ in gear, and fast.”

Following that statement, several countries—including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Japan—announced their readiness to assist efforts aimed at restoring maritime security. In a joint statement, those nations called on Iran to halt actions interfering with shipping and expressed willingness to support operations ensuring safe transit through the strait.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said member states are actively coordinating their response. “Everybody agrees this strait cannot stay closed. It has to open up again as soon as possible. This is crucial for the world’s economy,” he said. “I am confident that allies, as always, will do everything in support of our shared interests, as we always do. So we will find a way forward.”

The escalation follows a series of Iranian strikes on energy infrastructure across the Gulf. On March 19, Iranian forces targeted oil facilities in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and liquefied natural gas sites in Qatar. Those strikes came one day after Israeli forces hit Iran’s South Pars gas field, prompting threats of expanded retaliation from Tehran.

The conflict intensified further on March 20, with Iran launching missiles at Israel and Israel responding with strikes inside Tehran. Gulf states reported additional threats, including drone activity and intercepted projectiles over Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, along with damage to a Kuwaiti refinery.

Energy markets have reacted sharply to the disruptions. QatarEnergy reported that Iranian strikes have reduced the country’s liquefied natural gas export capacity by 17 percent, raising the possibility of supply shortages for major importers.

During the Pentagon briefing, officials said U.S. forces have also conducted strikes on Iranian coastal infrastructure, including underground facilities used to store cruise missiles capable of targeting ships in the strait.

“We continue to hunt and kill mine storage facilities and naval ammunition depots,” Caine said. “We continue to hunt and kill afloat assets, including more than 120 vessels and 44 mine layers, and the pressure will continue.”

The United States has reinforced its regional presence, deploying the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit from California, consisting of approximately 5,000 personnel. The move follows orders for the USS Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to reposition from the Pacific to the Middle East.

Speaking at the White House on March 19, Trump said, “We’re doing this excursion, and when we’re completed, we’re going to have a much safer world. We’re defending the strait for everyone else.”

The operation continues as international forces coordinate efforts to reopen the waterway and stabilize global energy flows amid ongoing military exchanges in the region.