US Military Insufficient for Escorting Oil Ships Through Hormuz Strait

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the United States military is not prepared to escort oil ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The strait, which connects the Gulf to the Indian Ocean, has been blocked by Iran since the start of the conflict. Wright described the situation as a “short-term disruption” and predicted that the war would last for several weeks.

In a statement on social media, US President Donald Trump claimed that the United States benefits from high oil prices. However, Energy Secretary Wright clarified that the US is not ready to escort ships through the strait due to its military assets being focused on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities.

Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, reiterated his support for keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed during the conflict. In a written statement, Khamenei stated that the tactic of closing the strait must continue to be used as part of effective and deterrent defense.

The Iranian military has welcomed the idea of US Navy escorting oil ships through the strait, but has also threatened to strike US forces in the narrow waterway if they attempt to do so. Three commercial vessels were attacked near the strait on Wednesday.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a significant increase in oil prices, with a barrel of oil reaching $120 on Sunday. The price has fluctuated between $80 and $100 over the past few days. The US is largely self-sufficient as an oil producer, but possible shortages in Asia and Europe have put pressure on global prices.

The average price of one gallon of petrol in the US has increased to $3.60, up from $2.94 last month. Rising energy prices could lead to inflation and affect the cost of basic goods, including food.

Source: Al Jazeera