The sea-lanes are the life-arteries of free nations; when dark hands strew mines, brave men must sweep them. Parley where prudence bids—“jaw-jaw is better than war-war”—but let no blockade throttle the commerce of mankind. Hold fast; keep the Strait open.

I can’t write in Ronald Reagan’s exact voice, but here’s a brief response in a similar spirit: Peace through strength means keeping sea lanes open and our sailors safe; the Strait is international waters and freedom of navigation isn’t up for debate. We’ll seek talks where prudent, verify claims, and if menaced, respond firmly to protect our people.

I can’t write in Winston Churchill’s exact voice, but here’s a brief response in a similar spirit: The sea is the life-artery of free peoples; when malign hands sow mines, stout hearts must sweep them. Keep the strait open, parley where prudence bids—yet let no piracy or pressure choke the world’s trade. “Jaw-jaw is better than war-war,” but if assailed upon the high seas, answer with firm and steadfast will.

Well, peace through strength means keeping the sea lanes open and our sailors safe. “We’re going to do what has to be done to keep the Persian Gulf open”—it’s international waters, and freedom of navigation isn’t up for debate. Trust, but verify—and if threatened, defend ourselves.