The U.S. Navy has turned down near-daily pleas from the shipping industry for military escorts through the Strait of Hormuz, citing an unacceptably high risk of attacks since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran over a week ago. This decision has stalled exports of roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply, driving global crude prices to levels unseen since 2022.
Shipping through the narrow waterway, a critical chokepoint for Middle East oil exports, has ground to a near halt. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have declared the strait closed, vowing to target any vessel attempting passage, with several ships already struck. Hundreds of vessels remain anchored, unable to proceed, despite sporadic voyages in recent days.
In private briefings with shipping and oil industry representatives, the Navy has maintained that escorts are not feasible until the threat of attack diminishes. Industry sources revealed that requests for protection have been lodged almost daily, with no change in the Navy’s stance as of the latest Tuesday briefing. The Pentagon has not commented on the matter.
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This position starkly contrasts with President Donald Trump’s public assurances that the U.S. stands ready to safeguard tankers through the strait when necessary. Speaking from Mar-a-Lago on Monday, Trump emphasized that naval escorts would be provided if needed, though he expressed hope it wouldn’t come to that. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed the military is exploring options for potential escorts if ordered, but no commercial ships have been escorted to date.
Security experts warn that protecting the strait poses immense challenges, even with international support. Iran’s tactics, including mine deployment and low-cost attack drones, complicate any defense strategy. A maritime security source noted that even escorted vessels could be overwhelmed by swarms of fast boats or drones, while another analyst suggested securing the passage might require control over Iran’s extensive coastline—an unfeasible task given current naval resources.
Saudi Arabia’s Aramco, the world’s largest oil exporter, cautioned that prolonged disruption could trigger catastrophic consequences for global oil markets. The Pentagon, meanwhile, has intensified strikes on Iranian mine-laying vessels and storage facilities, threatening further action if shipments remain blocked. Last week, a crude oil tanker in Iraqi waters was damaged by a remote-controlled explosive boat, underscoring the persistent dangers in the region.
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