A proposal by U. S. President Donald Trump to impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz has drawn sharp criticism, with one American military analyst warning it is both unrealistic and potentially catastrophic.

Speaking on a YouTube channel, former intelligence officer Scott Ritter argued that such a move would amount to a declaration of war, effectively undermining any prospects for de-escalation. In his assessment, the very idea of a blockade crosses a red line that would make diplomatic efforts meaningless.

Ritter pointed to the strategic importance of the strait, which serves as a critical artery for oil exports from Persian Gulf states, including Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. Disrupting this route, he suggested, would have far-reaching consequences well beyond the region.

He stressed that the United States lacks the practical ability to enforce such a blockade without triggering a global confrontation, noting that it would be tantamount to declaring war on the world.

The analyst also highlighted the risks to American forces stationed nearby. Deploying naval assets close to the strait would expose U.S. ships to direct threats, while attempting to manage the situation from a distance — such as from the Indian Ocean — would be ineffective.

Earlier, Trump announced plans to block all vessels entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz and instructed the U. S. Navy to monitor and intercept ships that pay Iran for passage through the vital waterway.