Critical ConsiderationsLegal Constraints: Under UNCLOS, Iran and Oman have rights over their Territorial waters, but transit passage must remain open. U.S. actions must avoid violating international law to maintain legitimacy.Iran’s Capabilities: Iran’s naval mines, anti-ship missiles, and asymmetric tactics (e.g., speedboats) pose significant risks, as demonstrated by Houthi success in the Red Sea. The U initially underestimated Iran’s capabilities in the 1980s Tanker War, and a repeat could be costly.Blowback Risk: As noted by experts, closing the Strait could be a “suicide bombing” for Iran due to global retaliation, but U.S. control could also provoke long-term insurgency or hybrid warfare.