Amid escalating conflict in the Gulf region, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright claimed the U.S. Navy had escorted oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the continued flow of global energy supplies, but later deleted that statement. In a now-deleted post by
“President Trump is maintaining global energy stability during the military campaign against Iran,” Wright wrote. “The U.S. Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz to keep oil flowing to global markets.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with about 20% of the world’s oil and a significant portion of LNG shipments passing through the narrow waterway. Shipping traffic through the strait has been suspended since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.
However, the White House pushed back on this claim. White House press secretary Caroline Levitt denied in an interview with reporters that the United States had escorted any oil tankers or ships through the Strait of Hormuz. A U.S. official later told Reuters that U.S. forces had so far not escorted any ships through the strait, contradicting previous claims by the energy secretary. A spokesperson later said a video clip posted by Wright was removed from his official A post stating that the U.S. Navy helped an oil tanker transit the Strait of Hormuz was quickly removed. Spokesperson Ben Dietrich said the minister and other officials were "closely monitoring” the situation in the strait, a key route for global oil and gas transportation.
Iran denies escort claims
Iran also rejected Chris Wright’s remarks. In response to this claim, a spokesman for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard denied that any U.S. tanker had passed through the strait.
“All movements of the US fleet and its allies will be stopped by our missiles and drones,” Alimohammad Naini said in comments carried by Iranian state media.
Naini added, “The claim that an oil tanker escorted by US terrorist forces passed through the Strait of Hormuz is a complete lie.” Iran has repeatedly warned it could target ships transiting the strategic waterway if the conflict escalates further.
Trump threatens to seize Hormuz
The warning comes a day after US President Donald Trump threatened tougher action against the strategic transit.
“They’ve filmed everything they can film and they better not try anything cute or it will be the end of the country,” Trump said as the conflict entered its second week.
President Trump falsely claimed that “the Strait of Hormuz is now open” and that “occupation is being considered.” The US president previously warned that Iran would be hit "20 times harder” if it interfered with crude oil shipments through the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz is a pressure point in the conflict. If the waterway closure is prolonged, oil prices may soar.
– end
Based on the agency’s opinion
tune the frequency