The US paper fleet: The Jones Act and the 2026 Iran war stress test

The Hormuz crisis has exposed the Jones Act's outdatedness, particularly its domestic build rule, which hampers the U.S. maritime industry's flexibility and efficiency. As tensions with Iran escalate, it's crucial to modernize maritime policy to ensure the U.S. can swiftly respond to such geopolitical challenges. Updating the Jones Act could lead to more cost-effective and agile shipping solutions, but the timing is critical given the looming 2026 war stress test scenario. This shift is not just about regulatory change but about national security and economic resilience.