, Columnist
The Iran War Is Ending Freedom of the Seas
The bulk carrier Mayuree Naree didn’t make it through the the Strait of Hormuz on March 11.
Source: Royal Thai Navy/AFP/Getty Images
Freedom of the seas changed the world. Now, the world is changing in ways that threaten to make the global waters less free. The ability of people, goods and money to safely traverse the oceans turbocharged trade and underpinned global prosperity. American naval dominance has long kept the maritime commons secure.
But the current mess in the Middle East — especially Iran’s assault on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz — is indicative of an era in which threats to freedom of the seas are increasing, chokepoints are growing more contested, and America’s ability to patrol the waves is in doubt.