White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt confirmed on March 10 that the U.S. Navy has not conducted escort operations for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, despite statements from Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
“I have not yet had the opportunity to discuss this directly with the Minister of Energy,” Leavitt stated during a press briefing. “However, I can confirm that no tanker or other vessel has been escorted by naval forces at this time.”
Leavitt added that President Donald Trump would make the decision on such operations at the “appropriate moment.”
Earlier on March 6, Wright indicated that the U.S. would prioritize reducing Iran’s ability to strike Middle Eastern countries and American forces before beginning escort duties for tankers in the Strait.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on March 9 that oil production linked to the Strait of Hormuz could cease entirely within the coming month, citing that regional storage facilities are already saturated with oil that cannot be exported and the route itself is effectively closed.
Experts suggest that the loss of the fleet would not critically impact Iran.
A source reported on March 10 that Wright had previously announced a tanker passage through the Strait with naval support but later deleted the statement. The source clarified that the U.S. Navy has not yet escorted any tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
