Tension between America and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz is continuously increasing. In such a situation, the biggest question is that if America wants to eliminate Iran’s influence through this strategic sea route, then how much military power will it have to exert. According to the report of Wall Street Journal, this goal cannot be achieved by air strikes or missile strikes alone. Defense experts believe that this may require a large-scale naval operation or ground military action, in which a large number of warships along with thousands of soldiers will have to be deployed.
Hormuz will not be opened only by air strikes
According to a Wall Street Journal report, President Donald Trump claimed this week that the Strait of Hormuz is open and under US control. However, data on ship movements shows a different picture. According to the report, after the recent attacks, the number of ships passing through this sea route has reduced and many shipping companies still consider it risky. Defense experts say that safe movement of ships cannot be ensured only by missiles and air strikes. If America really wants to make Hormuz completely secure, it will have to conduct continuous naval security operations or take ground action.
More than 17 thousand soldiers and many warships may be needed
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon is considering sending 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East. Apart from this, about 5 thousand marines and 2 thousand paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division have already been sent to the area. That means, if Trump’s approval is given, America may have more than 17 thousand soldiers present at the doorstep of Iran. However, the report clearly states that even this much military power will not be enough for a full-scale ground attack on Iran. If the US runs naval escort missions to rescue the ships, then according to experts, about two warships may be required to protect an oil tanker and about 12 warships may be required for a convoy of 5 to 10 tankers.
Ground campaign is the most dangerous option
According to the report, if America wants to establish direct control over the area around the Strait of Hormuz, it may have to launch a ground campaign with thousands of soldiers that will last for several months. The report says that Iran has been preparing for any such possible attack for a long time. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has about 1.9 lakh soldiers, while the regular army is also present with it. Former US defense official David Des Roches told the Wall Street Journal that during ground operations in Iran’s coastal area, US troops would be extremely vulnerable to attacks from all sides. This is why experts believe that gaining military control over Hormuz could prove to be a very expensive, long and risky operation for America.
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