Former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says the U.S. Navy has the capability to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for oil and gas shipments. Speaking to Bloomberg, Austin said that while the United States could act to clear or open the waterway, any extended military effort would be costly. He also emphasized that such an approach should be undertaken only with the support of international allies. The comments are framed as an assessment of operational feasibility and the strategic requirements for such an action. Austin’s remarks reflect a view that the U.S. could potentially conduct the necessary naval operations, but that prolonged involvement would likely require coalition backing to address costs and international legitimacy. Both sources report that Austin links the feasibility of reopening the strait to allied support and highlights the potential burden of a longer campaign. The statements do not specify timelines, triggers, or a particular U.S. policy decision, and they focus on what Austin says the military could do under certain circumstances.