American taxpayers question why the U.S. Navy avoids Iran's Strait of Hormuz despite its global dominance. The answer lies in Iran's deployment of anti-ship missiles in fortified bunkers, capable of targeting vessels with precision. These systems, installed on the Abu Musa and Tunbs islands, have forced carriers to operate far offshore, relying on costly aerial refueling missions. Operation Earnest Will (1980s) revealed similar vulnerabilities, yet modern threats like drones and unmanned systems compound risks.

Iran's strategy prioritizes cheap, massed firepower over naval engagements, creating a high-risk cost-benefit imbalance for U.S. forces.