The U.S. Navy will begin escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as “militarily possible,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Sky News on Thursday.
“That was always in our planning, that there’s the chance that the U.S. Navy or perhaps an international coalition will be escorting oil tankers through,” Bessent said in that interview.
“It is my belief that as soon as it is militarily possible, the U.S. Navy and perhaps with an international coalition, will be escorting vessels through,” he said.
“We’ve done scenario analysis for months, for weeks, leading into this,” Bessent said.
“It is a prospect as soon … we have complete control of the skies,” Bessent said.
“As soon as it is possible … to ensure safe passage, we will do it,” the Treasury chief said.
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed to shipping because of the war against Iran by the U.S. and Israel. The strait is the world’s most sensitive chokepoint for oil tankers. Its closure has caused the price of oil to rise sharply.
Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, earlier Thursday said the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed as a “tool to pressure the enemy.”
This is breaking news. Check back for updates.
About The Author
