US Will Escort Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz, If Necessary: Trump
Washington DC: Amid rising tensions in West Asia and growing concerns about disruptions to global oil supplies, US President Donald Trump announced that the US will “take immediate steps to protect maritime trade” in the Gulf region. Measures include offering political risk insurance and potentially deploying naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had instructed the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide political risk insurance and guarantees to ensure the financial security of all maritime trade, especially energy shipments passing through the Gulf.
“Effective IMMEDIATELY, I have directed the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide, at a very reasonable price, political risk insurance and guarantees for the Financial Security of ALL Merchant Marine traveling in the Gulf, especially Energy. This will apply to all Shipping Companies,” Trump wrote.
He also added that, if necessary, the US Navy could begin escorting tankers in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.
“If necessary, the US Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. No matter what, the US will ensure the FREE FLOW OF ENERGY TO THE WORLD. THE ECONOMIC AND MILITARY POWER OF THE US IS THE GREATEST IN THE WORLD — Further action will be taken. Thank you for your interest in this matter!” The US President said.
The announcement comes at a time when crude oil markets are closely monitoring developments in the region and the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed for the fourth consecutive day. According to Yahoo Finance, Brent crude futures were trading around $82.29 per barrel at the time of writing, reflecting increased volatility amid geopolitical uncertainty.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass. Trump’s statement signals that Washington is ready to use both economic and military tools to maintain stability in international energy markets amid rising regional tensions.
The development follows coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel on several Iranian cities on February 28, targeting military command centers, air defense systems, missile sites and key regime infrastructure. The attacks resulted in the deaths of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and four senior military and security officials; Large explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities.
In response, Iran has launched ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies in the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, further expanding the conflict and increasing risks for both civilians and those living abroad.
