US Vows to Keep Strait of Hormuz Open as Iran Conflict Escalates

Washington, March 2026 : The United States has reaffirmed its determination to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to global shipping as tensions and military confrontation with Iran intensify. The White House on Tuesday said safeguarding the crucial waterway remains a top priority for the US administration, warning that any attempt by Tehran to disrupt global energy supplies would trigger a strong military response.

Speaking during the daily press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Donald Trump has made the protection of the Strait of Hormuz a central objective of the US military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury.

Leavitt emphasized that the administration is committed to ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies through the strategic maritime corridor. “President Trump reiterated his commitment to keeping oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz so the United States and all of our allies can meet their energy needs,” she told reporters.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. A significant portion of the global oil supply passes through this narrow waterway every day, making it a critical artery for international trade. Any disruption to shipping in the region has the potential to trigger sharp increases in oil prices and destabilize global energy markets.

Leavitt issued a strong warning to Iran, saying that the United States would respond decisively if Tehran attempted to block or disrupt the shipping lane. According to her, the consequences would be severe if Iran tried to interfere with the movement of oil or commercial goods through the strait.

“If Iran does anything to stop the flow of oil or goods within the Strait of Hormuz, they will face the world’s most powerful military and will be hit far harder than they have been so far,” she said.

The White House believes Iran could attempt to create turbulence in global energy markets during the ongoing conflict. Leavitt said the administration anticipated such a move and had already put contingency plans in place to protect maritime trade and ensure supply stability.

“President Trump fully expected the Iranian regime to attempt to disrupt global markets,” she noted.

As part of those preparations, the administration has introduced measures aimed at supporting commercial tankers operating in the Gulf region. One such step includes offering political risk insurance for oil tankers navigating the waters near the Strait of Hormuz. This measure is intended to reassure shipping companies and maintain confidence among international energy traders.

In addition, the US government has temporarily relaxed certain restrictions related to oil trade. According to Leavitt, the US Treasury Department has waived specific oil-related sanctions for a limited period to stabilize global energy supplies during the crisis.

The White House also confirmed that the United States Navy has been authorized to escort commercial tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if the security situation requires it. However, Leavitt clarified that such an escort mission has not yet been carried out.

She addressed speculation triggered by a social media post from the US Energy Secretary suggesting that naval escorts had already begun. Leavitt said the message was quickly removed and clarified that no tanker escort operation had taken place so far, although the option remains available.

“I can confirm that the US Navy has not escorted any tanker or vessel at this time, but it is certainly an option if circumstances require it,” she said.

Meanwhile, the administration is closely monitoring global energy markets and continuing consultations with industry leaders and security officials. According to the White House, the President’s energy team is working with the military and other agencies to evaluate additional measures to protect shipping and stabilize markets.

Leavitt also sought to reassure American consumers worried about rising fuel prices following the escalation of the conflict. She said that while oil and gas prices may have increased recently, the administration expects the impact to be temporary.

“Rest assured to the American people that the recent increase in oil and gas prices is temporary, and the actions we are taking will help bring prices down in the long run,” she said.

The White House maintains that Operation Epic Fury aims to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities, weaken its naval forces, and prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons.

Given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, the situation is being closely watched by major energy-consuming nations including India, China, Japan, and several European Union member states. These economies rely heavily on energy shipments passing through the narrow maritime passage, making stability in the region crucial for the global economy.

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