Securing the Strait of Hormuz

In this episode of the National Security Hour, host Fred Galvin details the United States' bold military response to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. The U.S. has deployed Marines from the 31st and 15th Marine Expeditionary Units, conducting high-risk visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operations on Iranian-flagged vessels—marking the first direct ship seizure in this conflict. These operations, conducted in close proximity to Iran’s weapons engagement zone, involve fast-roping from helicopters and are among the most dangerous missions in the military arsenal. Galvin emphasizes the strategic importance of maintaining free passage through the strait, which carries 20–25% of the world’s oil by sea, and warns that Iran’s control over this chokepoint threatens global energy stability and economic security. He underscores the need for a broad U.S.-led coalition, including the UK, Australia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Albania, and several European nations, to share the burden of maritime security and deter escalation. The episode also critiques media narratives that frame Iran as a victim, calling them disinformation campaigns, and defends the U.S. military’s precision and restraint in operations. Galvin stresses the importance of coalition coordination to prevent friendly fire and escalation, while calling for continued public support and prayer for deployed troops.