US not yet ready to escort vessels in Strait of Hormuz — energy secretary

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the US Navy is currently unable to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, though he indicated that capability could be established later this month.

“It’ll happen relatively soon, but it can’t happen now. We’re simply not ready,” Wright stated in an interview with CNBC when asked whether the Navy could escort a tanker through the strait.

The energy secretary explained that US military resources are presently focused elsewhere amid the conflict involving Iran.

“All of our military assets right now are focused on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities and the manufacturing industry that supplies their offensive capabilities,” he added.

When asked whether the Navy might begin escorting ships through the strait before the end of the month, Wright suggested that was probable. “I think, yes,” he said. “I think that is quite likely the case.”

Wright also noted that preparations are already underway, saying, “That is what the military is working on.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada