U.S. Considers Naval Escorts for Ships in Strait of Hormuz as Tensions Disrupt Shipping

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says American and allied forces may protect commercial vessels once military conditions allow.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

The United States may deploy naval escorts to protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global energy routes, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

In an interview with Sky News, Bessent said the U.S. Navy could begin escorting vessels through the strategic waterway once military conditions permit, potentially alongside an international coalition.

“My belief, that as soon as it is militarily possible, the U.S. Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will be escorting vessels through,” Bessent said.

The secretary indicated that such operations would likely begin once the United States and its allies achieve greater operational control in the region.

He said the effort would move forward when the U.S. has “complete control of the skies and (Iran’s) rebuilding capabilities for the missiles completely degraded.”

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical maritime chokepoints in the world, serving as the main transit route for a significant portion of global oil and natural gas exports from the Persian Gulf.

Recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes targeting Iran have heightened tensions across the region, while Tehran’s response has further escalated the conflict.

The confrontation has disrupted shipping through the strait, affecting the flow of Middle Eastern energy supplies and contributing to volatility in global oil markets.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that it could block oil shipments moving through the Gulf unless U.S. and Israeli attacks cease.

Despite the threats, Bessent said some shipping traffic continues to pass through the strait.

“There are, in fact, tankers coming through now, Iranian tankers, I believe some Chinese flag tankers have come through,” he said. “So we know that they have not mined the straits.”

Global markets have been closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz, where even partial disruptions can affect energy prices and international trade.

The potential deployment of naval escorts would aim to secure the passage of commercial vessels and restore confidence in the stability of the region’s critical shipping lanes.