The closure of the strait of Hormuz is causing a “paralyzing, real-time problem” for any prospective manufacturing surge in the US defense industrial base, and even for the repair of defense equipment damaged by Iranian attacks, according to analysis published by West Point’s Modern War Institute. It’s a really precarious spot to be in right now.”The sulphur used as an industrial and agricultural inputs is mostly created as a byproduct of refining crude oil. The Middle East produces about 24% of the world’s supply, and around half of the world’s seaborne trade in the substance passes through the strait of Hormuz. According to a separate February analysis, also co-written by Matisek, only 6% of US defense contractors have fully transparent supply chains. “All the big prime defense industrial base companies, this is all proprietary information.

Source: The Guardian March 19, 2026 15:30 UTC