US Navy not ready to escort ships through Hormuz, military currently focused on neutralising Iran, Energy Secretary says

The US Navy is currently unable to provide escort for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a Thursday interview with CNBC.

“It’ll happen relatively soon but it can’t happen now, maybe by month's end,” Wright said. “We’re simply not ready. All of our military assets right now are focused on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities and the manufacturing industry that supplies their offensive capabilities.”

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Wright stressed the importance of reopening the Strait, noting that the United States is coordinating with international partners to restore safe passage. “You will see US working with other countries to reopen Strait of Hormuz,” he said in an interview with CNN.

The Energy Secretary also highlighted the role of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in mitigating immediate supply disruptions. “SPR release will get us through a few weeks of dislocation,” he said. The reserve, a government stockpile of crude oil, is intended for emergency use during periods of supply disruption.

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Wright added that any oil drawn from the SPR will be returned, ensuring no cost to US taxpayers. “Releases will be exchanged at no cost to US taxpayer,” he confirmed. “SPR draw will be exchanges, oil will be returned to reserve.”

On the timing for naval escorts, Wright indicated that additional assets would be deployed once available. “When we can afford some additional assets to move tankers through Strait we will,” he said, emphasising that short-term disruptions are a necessary step toward long-term energy security.

“Short-term disruption is needed for long-term energy security,” Wright added.