Media: US energy firms call for stabilisation in Middle East

Executives from major US energy companies have urged the US administration for a swift end to hostilities in the Middle East, citing risks to assets and personnel.

Companies are wary of sending tankers through the Strait of Hormuz and predict the situation will not improve until the intensity of the fighting decreases, TASS reports, citing CNN.

In recent days, US military commanders have held daily briefings and consultations with energy sector representatives. 

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright previously stated that military ships could escort commercial vessels by the end of the month, but currently, no forces can be allocated.

On February 28, the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran, striking major cities including Tehran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a large-scale retaliatory operation targeting Israel and facilities in Gulf countries.

On March 2, IRGC Major General Ebrahim Jabbari warned of a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil exports pass. On March 5, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait remains open, but ships and tankers are avoiding it due to threats from both sides.

By Jeyhun Aghazada