US Navy Signals Plan to Escort Ships Through Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview with Sky News that the U.S. Navy could escort commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow. According to Bessent, such operations would begin “as soon as it is militarily possible,” signaling Washington’s intent to secure critical global energy and trade routes amid rising tensions in the region.

The comments come as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has sharply increased security risks in the Gulf. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned ships against transiting the strategic waterway, effectively disrupting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Disruptions in tanker traffic have contributed to volatility in global oil markets. The U.S. administration has also introduced financial measures aimed at stabilizing energy flows, including political risk insurance support for shipping companies operating in the region through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.

Despite the plans discussed by officials, the U.S. Navy has so far declined requests from shipping companies for direct escorts, citing the high risk of Iranian attacks. Officials say naval convoy operations could be considered later, potentially involving an international coalition, once the immediate military threat in the area decreases.