U.S. Navy Not Ready to Escort Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz for Weeks
The United States Navy will not be ready to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz for several weeks, according to the Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Speaking to CNBC, Wright said preparations for a naval escort mission are still underway as the United States focuses on strikes against Iran’s military capabilities.
«It’ll happen relatively soon, but it can’t happen now,» Wright said. «We’re simply not ready.»
The delay comes as Iran continues attacks on commercial shipping in and around the strait, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes. Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to keep the passage closed to maritime traffic.
Two oil tankers were reportedly set ablaze earlier in Iraqi waters, while other vessels have been damaged in drone or projectile attacks across the region. Maritime security firm Ambrey said a Malta-flagged tanker and another merchant vessel were targeted near Basra, leaving at least one person dead and dozens rescued.
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously announced that American naval forces would escort tankers through the strait «as soon as possible.» Wright now says the operation may begin by the end of March.
Analysts warn that escorting commercial vessels through the narrow waterway would be extremely risky. Warships could face threats from Iranian anti-ship missiles, naval mines and drone attacks.
Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, warned that reopening the strait could prove difficult.
«Strategic priorities, like opening the Strait of Hormuz and securing what remains of Iran’s nuclear stockpile, will likely require some ground troops if no diplomatic options are pursued,» he said. «What we are looking at is potentially a very messy situation.»
Meanwhile, continued attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure have pushed global oil prices higher, with Brent crude rising above $100 per barrel.
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