Arabic version: الجيش الأمريكي غير مستعد لمرافقة السفن في مضيق هرمز
The United States military is currently “not ready” to escort oil ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a top official in President Donald Trump’s administration has stated as Iran continues to block this strategic waterway. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright made these remarks during an interview with CNBC, highlighting the ongoing disruption in oil markets due to the conflict. According to Al Jazeera, Wright described the situation as a “short-term disruption,” predicting that the war would persist for “weeks, not months.”
Despite Trump’s repeated threats, Iran has largely succeeded in shutting down the strait, causing oil prices to soar. Wright characterized the current crisis as “short-term pain for long-term gain,” asserting that the US aims to weaken Iran’s capacity to threaten the energy market. He clarified that the military’s focus is on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities rather than escorting ships at this time.
In a related development, Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed during the ongoing conflict. He reiterated the importance of using this tactic as part of their defense strategy. Wright’s comments come in the wake of increased tensions, including recent attacks on commercial vessels near the strait.
Additionally, Wright had previously announced on social media that the US Navy had escorted an oil ship through the strait, but the post was soon deleted, and the White House confirmed the statement was not true. This inconsistency has raised questions about the US’s commitment to ensuring safe passage in the region.
Oil prices have fluctuated dramatically, peaking at about $120 per barrel, up from about $70 before the conflict began. This volatility has significant implications for global markets, particularly in Asia and Europe, where potential shortages could lead to further price increases. In the United States, the average price of gasoline has risen to $3.60 per gallon, a notable jump from $2.94 last month, raising concerns about inflation and the cost of living for consumers.
