U.S. Navy Refuses Almost Daily Requests From Shipping Firms For Escorts Through Strait Of Hormuz, Citing High Attack Risk

The U.S. Navy has refused almost daily requests from shipping companies for military escorts through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the conflict with Iran.

Officials say the risk of attacks is too high, leaving oil shipments exposed and global markets under pressure.

Commercial traffic through the narrow strait has mostly stopped over the past week.

Around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through this route, and the halt has pushed crude prices to levels not seen since 2022.

Hundreds of ships are now anchored, waiting for safe passage.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have declared the strait closed and warned that any ship attempting to pass will be fired upon.

Several commercial vessels have already been hit in recent days. Shipping sources say the Navy has repeatedly stated it cannot provide escorts until the risk decreases.

The military has briefed shipping and oil company officials regularly on the situation.

General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the military is exploring options to escort ships if ordered, but so far no commercial vessel has received an escort.

Earlier claims by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright about a successful escort were later removed from social media.

President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is ready to escort tankers when needed.

“When the time comes, the U.S. Navy and its partners will escort tankers through the strait, if needed,” he said at Mar-a-Lago.

Navy officials, however, say the risk remains too high for such operations right now.

Experts warn that securing the strait is extremely difficult. Iran can use mines and low-cost attack drones to threaten ships.

Last week, a remote-controlled boat loaded with explosives damaged a crude oil tanker in Iraqi waters.

Analysts say fully controlling the strait would require a major military presence along Iran’s long coastline, which would be complex and risky.

Saudi Arabia’s Aramco has said that if the disruption continues, it could have severe consequences for global oil markets.

References: Reuters, cnbctv18