Ex-Pentagon chief Austin says US can open Hormuz Strait but needs allies

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that while the U.S. Navy is capable of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, allied participation would be essential to maintain the key oil and gas shipping route long-term due to the immense costs involved. Austin, who served as Secretary of Defense in the Biden administration, affirmed the U.S. Navy's ability to open the strait but noted that keeping it open would entail significant expense, requiring joint participation from the international community. He emphasized that allies and partners must contribute to the effort, stressing that freedom of navigation is crucial not only for the United States but for the entire world. Austin also identified Israel's ongoing attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon as one of the main obstacles to broader diplomatic efforts to end the war, adding that he hopes for a de-escalation of tensions to allow negotiations to continue.