Former White House energy adviser Bob McNally has warned that there is no effective long-term policy solution for the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, leaving U.S. President Donald Trump with limited options. Speaking in an interview, McNally said that measures such as military monitoring tapping strategic petroleum reserves, or reducing gas taxes are only temporary and secondary in effect.

He emphasized that most available options are either symbolic ineffective or potentially harmful. McNally stated that the only real solution is to fully restore oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz. However even if the United States were to announce an immediate end to hostilities, there is no guarantee that Iran would reopen the strait and normalize the situation.

According to McNally, Iran’s continued ability to target vessels in the strait creates sufficient leverage to disrupt global maritime traffic. This ongoing risk threatens international energy markets, as a prolonged closure could impact oil prices and global shipping. Analysts warn that without a negotiated settlement, symbolic or short-term measures will not stabilize the critical waterway, leaving the U.S. and allied nations with few reliable policy options.