201221-N-IE405-2574 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Dec. 21, 2020) The Ohio-class, guided-missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) transits with the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), not shown, on the Strait of Hormuz, Dec. 21. Philippine Sea is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Indra Beaufort/Release)
By Courtney Subramanian
Mar 12, 2026 (Bloomberg) –The US Navy could start escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz by the end of this month, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said.
Wright said on CNBC on Thursday US military assets were currently focused on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities and weapons manufacturing, but could shift focus to protecting shipping traffic in the coming weeks.
“It will happen relatively soon, but it can’t happen now. We’re simply not ready,” Wright said as the joint US-Israel assault on Tehran stretched into a second week.
Asked if escorts could be provided by the end of the month, Wright said: “I think that, yes, I think that is quite likely the case.”
Wright’s comments come after he wrote in a now-deleted social post Tuesday that the US had successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. Some 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas passes through the narrow shipping lane. The White House later walked back Wright’s claim and denied that any escorts had occurred.
Since the US and Israel launched a joint military operation on Iran on February 28, trade through Hormuz has all but come to a standstill, choking off the flow of oil from the Persian Gulf and sending crude prices soaring 40% in the days since. Global oil futures briefly jumped above $100 a barrel Thursday.
The Trump administration announced Wednesday it would release 172 million barrels from the US emergency oil reserve as part of a coordinated effort by nations around the world to ease surging crude prices.
Read More: US to Release 172 Million Barrels of Oil for IEA Relief Plan
The reserve only contains roughly 415 million barrels, about 60% of its capacity. Wright told CNBC that the US planned to swap the 172 million barrels it was releasing from the system for more than 200 million barrels to be delivered at later dates. That’s because at the moment, crude futures in the months ahead are significantly cheaper than they are now.
“Ultimately, this is going to help us fill the reserve,” he said.
© 2026 Bloomberg L.P.
This article contains reporting from Bloomberg, published under license.
Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update
Essential maritime and offshore news, insights, and updates delivered daily straight to your inbox
The United States will release 172 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) beginning next week as part of a record 400-million-barrel coordinated stock draw agreed by the International Energy...
A new series of maritime attacks has struck commercial vessels across the Persian Gulf overnight, signaling that the shipping conflict linked to the escalating U.S.–Israel confrontation with Iran is continuing...
Naval drones have been used in at least two attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf region since war erupted between the U.S., Israel and Iran, according to maritime authorities and analysts, demonstrating a dangerous new threat in the key shipping lane.
Subscribe to gCaptain Daily and stay informed with the latest global maritime and offshore news
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
