Cramer Questions US Strategy on Strait of Hormuz as Cotton Rejects Criticism of Trump Team

Tensions escalate as Iran announces closure of vital global oil shipping route

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:52am

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Jim Cramer, the host of CNBC's "Mad Money," questioned the U.S. military's strategy around the Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate in the region. Meanwhile, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) pushed back against reports that the Trump administration failed to plan for Iran potentially shutting down the vital global shipping route.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy corridors, carrying roughly 20% of global oil shipments. Disruptions there can have significant ripple effects on energy markets and global trade. The U.S. and Iran have been engaged in an ongoing conflict, and the potential closure of the strait could lead to further escalation and economic turmoil.

The details

Cramer took to social media to question whether U.S. planners had focused on the right priorities in the region, stating, "Still surprising people that we arguably had no plan for the most important piece of real estate in this war: The Strait of Hormuz? We sunk ships but not the right ones." Meanwhile, Sen. Cotton dismissed a CNN report that claimed U.S. officials were unprepared for Iran's move to close the waterway, stating that "the U.S. has planned for Iran to try to close the strait for decades." Trump has warned Iran that any further interference with shipping could prompt stronger U.S. action, including the potential deployment of naval escorts for tankers passing through the strait.

  • Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz more than a week ago amid escalating tensions with the U.S. and Israel.
  • Oil prices briefly climbed above $100 per barrel this week for the first time since 2022, before dropping during the week.

The players

Jim Cramer

The host of CNBC's "Mad Money" who questioned the U.S. military's strategy around the Strait of Hormuz.

Sen. Tom Cotton

A Republican senator from Arkansas who pushed back against reports that the Trump administration failed to plan for Iran potentially shutting down the Strait of Hormuz.

Sen. Chuck Schumer

A Democratic senator from New York who previously accused the Trump administration of failing to foresee the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose administration is being criticized for its handling of the Strait of Hormuz situation.

Iran

The country that announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, amid escalating tensions with the U.S. and Israel.

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What they’re saying

“Still surprising people that we arguably had no plan for the most important piece of real estate in this war: The Strait of Hormuz? We sunk ships but not the right ones.”

— Jim Cramer (X)

“As chairman of the Intelligence Committee, let me make clear: whoever leaked this lied. CNN should do some fact-checking. The U.S. has planned for Iran to try to close the strait for decades.”

— Sen. Tom Cotton (X)

What’s next

Trump has warned Iran that any further interference with shipping could prompt stronger U.S. action, including the potential deployment of naval escorts for tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The takeaway

The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz highlight the strategic importance of this vital global shipping route and the potential for further conflict and economic disruption if the situation is not managed carefully. The differing views on the Trump administration's preparedness for this crisis underscore the need for clear and effective planning to address such geopolitical challenges.