US Considers Naval Escorts for Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Conflict

Washington, March 2026 : The United States is considering deploying naval escorts for oil tankers travelling through the strategic Strait of Hormuz if the security situation deteriorates further amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. The White House said the move is being evaluated to safeguard global energy supplies and ensure the smooth passage of commercial shipping through one of the world’s most vital maritime routes.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday (local time), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is closely monitoring developments in global oil markets and maritime traffic as the US military campaign, Operation Epic Fury, continues against Iran.

Leavitt said President Donald Trump had already initiated measures to support shipping companies and stabilise energy markets amid the rising tensions in the Gulf region.

She announced that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation would provide political risk insurance for crude carriers and cargo vessels operating in and around the Gulf.

“Yesterday, President Trump announced that the US Development Finance Corporation will provide political risk insurance at a very reasonable price for crude carriers and cargo ships operating in and around the Gulf,” Leavitt told reporters.

According to the White House, the measure is aimed at reassuring shipping companies and preventing disruptions to global oil transportation during the ongoing military operations.

Leavitt also said the United States Navy could directly intervene to ensure the safety of vessels if necessary.

“As you pointed out, the president said if necessary and when appropriate, the US Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz,” she said.

The narrow waterway, located between Iran and Oman, connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and serves as one of the most critical energy transit routes in the world. Around 20 per cent of global oil shipments pass through the strait, making it a key artery for international energy trade.

Leavitt emphasised that the Trump administration is working closely with senior economic and energy officials to mitigate the potential economic impact of the conflict.

“With respect to oil prices and the economy here at home, of course this is something that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and the National Economic Council led by Doug Burgum have been working on well in advance,” she said.

Leavitt added that the administration remains confident in the resilience of the US economy despite the tensions in the Middle East.

“It is the president’s belief and his economic team’s belief that the economy continues to be very strong. It’s robust and will be able to weather any temporary impacts of Operation Epic Fury,” she said.

The White House also argued that the ongoing campaign against Iran could ultimately lead to greater long-term stability in global energy markets.

Leavitt said the military actions were aimed at curbing Iran’s ability to influence maritime traffic and threaten international shipping routes in the region.

“I think it speaks to why this action was so necessary — that ultimately the energy industry is going to benefit from the president’s actions with respect to Iran,” she said.

She added that Iran would no longer be able to control or restrict shipping through the vital maritime passage.

“Iran will no longer be controlling the Strait of Hormuz and restricting the free flow of energy,” she said.

Global oil prices initially rose after the conflict escalated, raising fears of inflation and higher fuel costs for major oil-importing economies. However, the White House said markets have since stabilised following the administration’s measures to secure maritime energy routes.

“Crude oil prices did fall yesterday. They remain stable today after the president announced steps to ensure stability in global energy markets,” Leavitt said.

The Strait of Hormuz remains widely regarded as the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint, and any disruption in the area could have far-reaching consequences for global trade and energy security.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)