Bloomberg Surveillance · Thursday, July 9, 2026
General Karen Gibson believes the US is capable and likely willing to protect oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz. However, she cautions that protecting against numerous drones and shore-launched missiles presents significant challenges due to their speed and limited warning time.
“I think the United States is probably prepared to do that. Certainly, it's a capability that we have. Decision to do so would be a political decision. The US Navy has that ability, and in fact has been assisting some of these vessels with their transit through the Omanian side of the Strait.”
“The question is, really, though, to what extent can we protect against vast numbers of drones and missiles shore launched missiles that are difficult to detect, that are very agile, and that provide a very minimal warning before they are fired.”