• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not straightforward, citing risks to commercial vessels.
  • The comments come amid heightened U.S.-Israel-Iran tensions and ongoing efforts to secure the critical oil chokepoint.
  • Global energy markets remain on edge as diplomatic and military options are debated.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday cast doubt on the feasibility of quickly reopening the Strait of Hormuz, pushing back against former U.S. President Donald Trump's assertions that the waterway could be cleared with decisive action. "Trump can't simply open the Strait of Hormuz due to the risk to ships," Netanyahu said during a press conference in Jerusalem, according to people familiar with the matter. The remarks underscore the complex security dynamics in the region, where Iran has threatened to disrupt shipping in retaliation for Western pressure.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage through which about 20% of the world's oil passes, has become a flashpoint in the broader U.S.-Iran standoff. Trump has repeatedly called for international naval escorts to secure the waterway, warning that any disruption would be met with force. However, Netanyahu's comments highlight the practical challenges, including the risk of accidental escalation and the difficulty of protecting commercial vessels from mines or missile attacks.

Market and Diplomatic Fallout

The ongoing tensions have already roiled energy markets, with oil prices fluctuating on any hint of supply disruption. Shipping insurers have raised premiums for vessels transiting the region, and some tanker operators are rerouting to avoid the area entirely. "The risk is real and priced in," said an energy analyst who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Without a coordinated military and diplomatic strategy, the strait remains a tinderbox."

Efforts to build a multinational naval coalition have so far yielded limited results, with several key allies reluctant to commit forces. The U.S. has been in discussions with the UK, France, and other maritime nations, but progress has been slow. Netanyahu's warning suggests that even if a coalition is formed, the actual reopening of the strait would be a gradual and dangerous process.

Attempts to reach the Israeli prime minister's office for further comment were unsuccessful. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for clarification on Trump's stance.