The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most trafficked avenues of global shipping. It also has major challenges with piracy. Roughly 20% of the world’s oil passes through the waterway. The waters around the Strait are also some of the most dangerous in recent years. Iran has become increasingly aggressive against shipping vessels and U.S. naval presence. 

Additionally, Iran has seized oil tankers in a tit-for-tat fashion in order to fight back against sanctions and their enforcement. This hybrid warfare policy has pushed the United States to consider placing armed service members aboard commercial ships.