Reuters, citing sources, reported on the 10th (local time) that the U.S. Navy has repeatedly declined requests to escort vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the report, shipping companies have been asking the U.S. Navy nearly every day since the conflict began on the 28th of last month to provide military protection for ships moving through the strait.
The Navy has told industry that it cannot provide escorts because the risk of an Iranian attack remains too high.
Reuters said that assessment indicates oil exports from the Middle East are likely to face continued disruptions.
It also noted the Navy’s assessment runs counter to President Donald Trump’s statements that U.S. forces stand ready to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz whenever normal navigation is required.
The Strait of Hormuz channels roughly 20% of global oil trade. Since the outbreak of the conflict, Iran has attempted to block exports, declaring it will not allow a single drop of oil to leave.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retains the capability to deploy mobile weapons — suicide boats, anti-ship missiles and naval mines — capable of attacking U.S. warships or commercial vessels transiting the strait.
A U.S. official told CNN that if the United States and Gulf partners begin joint strikes on Iranian military assets around the strait, it would be a signal that escort operations are imminent.
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Kang Eun-na-rae (rae@yna.co.kr)
