The Countries That Should Help Run the Strait of Hormuz

The most trusted coastal state and the obvious home for a workable compromise.

The largest energy customer should carry responsibility, not only demand uninterrupted supply.

Few countries have more at stake or a stronger preference for rules over confrontation.

Its energy dependence and shipbuilding strength both belong in the arrangement.

No arrangement is real if it treats the strait's dominant coastline as someone else's problem.

Its ports, exports and exposed coastline make participation unavoidable.

The world's largest oil exporter cannot outsource the security of its main route.

Its economy depends on Gulf access and it can still speak to both Arab states and Iran.

A major gas exporter with a proven habit of making impossible talks possible.

A huge customer with naval capacity and good relations across the Gulf.