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US Air Superiority Fails to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

July 31, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

US air superiority did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian drones and missiles continue to threaten shipping.
Traditional airpower theory may be outdated.
Air Force doctrine is being reevaluated.

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Strategic Implications

The failure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz may indicate a shift in the nature of air superiority, suggesting that traditional airpower theory is no longer sufficient. The use of drones and missiles by Iran could signal a new era of asymmetric warfare, which may require the US military to rethink its approach to airpower and joint operations.

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What Happened

Airpower Theory Challenged by Iran Conflict

The US military’s air superiority over Iran has not translated to control of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian drones and missiles continuing to threaten shipping. This paradox has raised questions about the effectiveness of traditional airpower theory and the need for a new approach to joint operations. According to experts at the Stimson Center, the concept of the air littoral may hold the key to understanding this challenge. The article was first reported by Breaking Defense.

Source | Originally Published: July 26, 2026

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