Retired U.S. Marine Corps special operations expert Jonathan Hackett has said the U.S. Navy does not have enough equipment to safely escort hundreds of stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Hackett explained that only about 12 U.S. naval vessels are currently capable of providing protection, while before the conflict more than 100 ships passed through the strait daily. He described the task of securing such a large number of vessels as practically impossible.

Hackett identified two major threats: sea mines and Iran’s naval capabilities. He noted that the United States withdrew all its mine-sweeping ships last year, leaving only a few converted vessels for limited operations. He also disputed U.S. claims that Iran’s navy had been destroyed, saying the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps still possesses hundreds of small, fast attack boats capable of harassing or obstructing commercial ships.

Hackett further raised concerns about insurance companies’ willingness to cover ships in the area, suggesting that even if the route were deemed safe, many shipowners might avoid it due to high financial and safety risks.