The USS Samuel B. Roberts' 1988 mine damage in the Strait of Hormuz serves as a stark reminder of the dangers facing Donald Trump's naval escort plan for the world's vital energy waterway. Military planners consider risks too high given US warships' vulnerability to Iranian mines, fast boats, drones, and missiles. The current fleet has only 14 destroyers in the region, with many already engaged in combat duties and unavailable for escort missions.

Any convoy would likely start with small formations of two destroyers escorting 2-4 tankers, with commercial vessels leading due to their double hulls. The operation would require 8-12 destroyers total and substantial air support including F-15, F-16 or F-18 fighter jets. Fast boats, numbering in the hundreds, pose particular concern as they can be hidden along Iran's coastline and used as guided bombs against shipping.

Even with military protection, the prospect of restarting oil and LNG shipments faces significant obstacles. Sky-high insurance rates may outweigh military protection benefits, and few industry players expect sufficient protection to resume operations through the strait. The lack of coordination between governments frustrates shipping operators, leaving vessels stuck in the Gulf with no clear resolution in sight for global energy markets.