US Navy unable to ensure safe passage through Strait of Hormuz

Sources familiar with the situation say that since the start of the war in Iran, the US Navy has been almost daily rejecting requests from shipping companies for naval escort through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the high risk of attacks, Reuters reports.

According to the US Navy, disruptions to oil exports from the Middle East are expected to continue, contradicting President Donald Trump’s statements that the United States is prepared to provide naval protection if necessary to resume regular shipments along this key waterway.

Since the beginning of the US-Israel war against Iran over a week ago, shipping through the strait has effectively halted, causing roughly 20% of global oil exports to stop and sending world oil prices soaring to levels not seen since 2022.

A senior official from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) previously stated that the strait is closed and that Iran will fire on any vessel attempting to pass, according to Iranian media. Several ships have already been affected.

US Navy officials regularly brief shipping and oil industry representatives, informing them that escort services cannot currently be provided due to the ongoing threat, three industry sources familiar with the situation told Reuters.

Anonymous sources also said shipping companies have been submitting requests for naval escort nearly every day, but the Navy has maintained that such protection will only be possible once the risk of attack decreases.