Leavitt: US has not escorted tanker in Hormuz

The U.S. has not initiated naval escorts for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, despite escalating tensions and attacks on tankers in the region. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on March 6 that no timeline has been set for securing the critical waterway, stating, "We are not escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, and we will not speculate on future operations" according to Fox News. This aligns with Energy Secretary Chris Wright's earlier remarks that escorts would occur "as soon as reasonable," though no concrete mission has been launched as reported.

The Strait, which handles 20% of global crude oil and a fifth of liquefied natural gas exports, has seen sharply reduced traffic due to attacks and soaring war-risk insurance premiums. As of March 6, only nine vessels had transited the strait in a week, with approximately 400 tankers and cargo ships delayed in the Persian Gulf according to CNBC. Analysts warn that prolonged disruption could push Brent crude above $100 per barrel, risking global economic instability as CNBC reports.

While President Trump has pledged U.S. naval support, experts highlight logistical challenges, including limited naval assets and the need for sustained security guarantees to resume shipping according to CNBC analysis. Iran has not formally closed the strait but has warned of continued escalation, complicating efforts to restore normal operations.

The administration's focus remains on degrading Iran's military capabilities, with Energy Secretary Wright noting that "markets are very well supplied" for now according to CNBC. However, Gulf producers face growing storage constraints, and further delays could force production cuts, exacerbating supply risks as CNBC reports. The situation underscores the delicate balance between military intervention and economic stability in a region critical to global energy markets.