PANIC?: U.S. Navy says it cannot escort ships through Strait of Hormuz for now

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States Navy has informed shipping companies that it cannot currently provide military escorts for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz because of security risks linked to the ongoing war involving Iran.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the Navy has declined frequent requests from the shipping industry for protection along the strategic waterway since the conflict began. The sources said the threat of attacks remains too high.

The situation threatens to prolong disruptions to oil shipments from the Middle East. It also contrasts with statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly said Washington is ready to protect tankers moving through the strait if necessary.

Shipping activity through the narrow channel has dropped sharply since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran more than a week ago. The disruption has halted exports that normally account for nearly one-fifth of global oil supply. As a result, oil prices have climbed to levels last seen in 2022.

Iran has also issued warnings about the waterway. Iranian media reported last week that a senior official of the Revolutionary Guards said the strait had been closed and that Iran would target any vessel attempting to pass. Several ships have already suffered damage during the crisis.

Three shipping industry sources told Reuters that the U.S. Navy has held regular briefings with representatives of the maritime and oil sectors. During those meetings, the Navy explained that it is not able to escort commercial ships at the moment.

The sources, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue, said shipping companies continue to request escorts during nearly every briefing.

One of the sources said the Navy repeated the same position during a briefing on Tuesday. Escorts could only be considered if the threat level drops.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

President Trump has nonetheless maintained that the United States is prepared to assist shipping if the situation requires it.

“When the time comes, the U.S. Navy and its partners will escort tankers through the strait, if needed. I hope it’s not going to be needed, but if it’s needed, we’ll escort them right through,” he said on Monday during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

Military officials say planning is under way in case such orders are given. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, told reporters that the Pentagon is reviewing possible strategies.

“We’re looking at a range of options there,” Caine told reporters at the Pentagon.

A U.S. official also told Reuters that American forces have not yet escorted any commercial vessel through the strait. Earlier on Tuesday, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright removed a post on X in which he had claimed that the Navy had successfully escorted a tanker.

Although a small number of ships have passed through the strait in recent days, most vessels remain anchored nearby as operators wait for improved security conditions.

Energy companies and analysts have warned that a prolonged disruption could have serious consequences for global oil markets. Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil exporter, said on Tuesday that continued shipping problems could trigger severe effects.

Experts say protecting the Strait of Hormuz presents major security challenges. Iran has the ability to deploy naval mines and low-cost attack drones that could threaten passing vessels.

“Neither France, the United States, an international coalition or anybody is in a position to secure the ⁠Strait of Hormuz,” said Adel Bakawan, director of the European Institute for Studies on the Middle East and North Africa.

Security incidents have already occurred during the conflict. Two Iraqi port security sources said Iran last week used a remote-controlled explosive boat to damage a crude oil tanker anchored in Iraqi waters.

Another maritime security source said ensuring safe passage could even require control of Iran’s extensive coastline.

“There are not enough naval vessels to do that and the risks remain high even with an escort. One or two vessels can be overwhelmed by a swarm (of fast boats or drones),” the source said.

The Pentagon on Tuesday warned that it could intensify military action against Iran if shipping through the strait does not resume. U.S. officials also said American forces have targeted Iranian vessels suspected of laying mines as well as facilities used to store them.