Harlan Ullman, chairman of the strategic consultancy The Kilwynn Group and a former U.S. naval officer, told Al Jazeera that Iran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz has placed the United States in a difficult strategic position. He questioned the clarity of Washington’s objectives in the ongoing conflict, noting that despite its superior military power, the U.S. faces major challenges in converting that strength into strategic success.

According to Ullman, Iran’s ability to threaten closure of the Strait of Hormuz or attacks on neighboring Gulf states gives it a comparative advantage. He argued that the U.S. has few effective options beyond airstrikes, which have not produced favorable outcomes for either side.

Ullman warned that the conflict could escalate into a wider regional war and that the global economy is not prepared to absorb the shock. He emphasized that about 20 percent of the world’s energy supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and any prolonged disruption could have severe economic consequences worldwide.