The US Navy has refused to provide military protection or ‘escort’ to commercial ships in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. Despite previous promises from top officials in Washington, the requests of shipping companies are being turned down.
The US Navy claims that the risk of attack in the region is very high in the current situation, which increases the risk of direct military conflict. Recently, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright claimed to have successfully escorted an oil tanker on social media X, but the post was later deleted. White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt clarified that US forces are not guarding any tankers in the region.
Meanwhile, the warning from Iran has become stronger. IRGC Major General Ebrahim Jabari had previously warned that the route, which carries one-fifth of the world’s oil, could be closed in response to Israeli and US military action. On March 10, IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri made a clear statement that the Strait of Hormuz was now completely closed to all US and Israeli vessels.
According to energy experts, this standoff could dramatically increase oil prices on world markets, raising fears of renewed instability in the global economy.
