Washington: Taking a U-turn, the US said that it is currently unable to provide naval escorts for commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with CNBC, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said so amid heightened tensions with Iran and disruptions to global oil supplies.
Wright indicated that the United States Navy is not presently equipped to escort oil tankers through the strategic waterway, though preparations are underway and the capability could be in place by the end of the month. He said the US military’s immediate priority is targeting Iran’s offensive capabilities and the military production infrastructure that supports them.
The comments come after Iran imposed restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following a military standoff with the United States. US President Donald Trump had earlier indicated that the Navy would escort tankers through the strait if required.
Oil prices in the global market have surged by nearly 30 per cent since Iran effectively blocked traffic through the waterway on February 28, after the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iranian targets.
Confusion briefly arose when a social media post from Wright’s account suggested that a US naval vessel had already escorted a tanker through the strait. The post was later withdrawn after Iran denied the claim. Oil prices briefly fell following the message before stabilising again.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is prepared to restore peace in the region if its conditions are met. He said Iran is seeking full recognition of its sovereignty, compensation for war-related damage, and international guarantees to prevent similar conflicts in the future.
Pezeshkian added that these demands were conveyed during discussions with leaders of Russia and Pakistan, reiterating that Iran remains committed to regional peace but insists that its legitimate rights must be acknowledged to end the conflict.