U.S. Navy to escort oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz when possible, Bessent says Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed on Thursday that the U.S. Navy will begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as "militarily possible," during an interview with Sky News. Bessent emphasized that this measure was part of the administration’s long-term planning, stating that the possibility of naval escorts—either by the U.S. or an international coalition—had been considered from the outset. The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, declaring that the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed as a "tool to pressure the enemy." Khamenei’s remarks underscore the strategic significance of the waterway, which is a critical artery for global oil shipments. Bessent, however, asserted that the U.S. has "complete control of the skies" and that Iran’s naval forces are "literally and figuratively sunk," reflecting the administration’s confidence in its military superiority. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, meanwhile, told CNBC that the Navy is not yet prepared to escort tankers through the strait. Wright acknowledged that the operation "will happen relatively soon" but emphasized that current military resources are focused on dismantling Iran’s offensive capabilities and its industrial infrastructure. This highlights a potential gap between the administration’s strategic goals and the operational readiness of its forces. President Donald Trump had previously called on oil company CEOs to send tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, framing the move as a necessary step in countering Iran.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #mojtaba_khamenei #chubb #treasury_secretary_scott_bessent
