Strait of Hormuz Escorts Risk Triggering Iran Anti-Ship Missiles

President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the US would insure and protect oil tankers and other vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz may potentially bring Iran’s anti—ship missiles into play, adding a new dimension to a conflict largely defined by air power.

Iran is known to have at least six types of such missiles, according to the International Institute of Strategic Studies. The size of the arsenal isn’t publicly known, though most are based on older Chinese designs and have maximum ranges of about 75 miles.

That doesn’t allow them to hit US Navy ships, which operate far from ...