The United States has enough force to open the Strait of Hormuz, but the price is too high. 

The US has been attacking multiple targets, claiming it's self-defence. 

Iran has responded by saying it'll shoot any vessel attempting to traverse the Strait. 

Former CIA intelligence officer, Glenn Carle, says Donald Trump could order the military to open the passage, but it would involve the death or wounding of substantial numbers of soldiers. 

"Trump doesn't want to have Americans involved in a foreign war and occupying a country in a quagmire - and that is likely to be what happened. We have the power, Trump is unwilling to use it."

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