White House: US Navy Has Not Escorted Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz
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After a deleted social media post from the US Energy Secretary, the White House clarifies that no oil tankers have been escorted through the strategic waterway, amid rising Middle East tensions.
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The White House confirmed Tuesday that the US Navy has not escorted any oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, clarifying confusion caused by a now-deleted social media post by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
The clarification comes at a sensitive time, with the ongoing Middle East conflict rattling global energy markets and raising concerns over one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Confusion over deleted post
The mix-up began when Wright posted on social media that a tanker had successfully passed through the Strait under US Navy escort. The post was quickly deleted, sparking questions about the accuracy of the information.
During a press briefing on March 10, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said no such operation has taken place. She added that the administration has no further explanation for why the post was published and then removed.
Naval options still on the table
Leavitt stressed that while no escort has occurred, it remains a possibility if the situation in the region escalates. The president retains the authority to deploy naval forces to protect shipping lanes and ensure global energy supplies remain uninterrupted.