The White House said the United States will likely keep the Strait of Hormuz open as the conflict with Iran intensifies, stressing that President Donald Trump will not allow disruptions to global energy supplies.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said safeguarding the vital shipping route has become a key objective of Operation Epic Fury.
“President Trump reiterated his commitment toward keeping oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz so the United States and all of our allies can receive their energy needs,” Leavitt told reporters during the daily press briefing.
Leavitt warned that Iran would face severe military retaliation if it attempted to block the critical waterway.
“If they do anything to stop the flow of oil or goods within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the world’s most powerful military 20 times harder than they have been hit thus far,” she said.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, carrying a large portion of global oil shipments. Any disruption can quickly drive up oil prices and unsettle international markets.
Leavitt said the Trump administration had anticipated potential disruptions to energy markets during the conflict and prepared measures in advance to protect shipping.
“President Trump fully expected the rogue Iranian regime to try and disrupt the global markets,” she said.
Support Measures for Oil Tankers
As part of contingency planning, the administration has taken steps to support commercial tankers operating in the Gulf.
“Thus far, the Trump administration has offered political risk insurance to tankers operating in the Gulf,” Leavitt said.
The US government has also temporarily eased certain restrictions to stabilise supply during the crisis.
“The Treasury temporarily waived certain oil-related sanctions,” she said. Leavitt added that the United States Navy could escort oil tankers through the narrow passage if required.
“The commander in chief has offered the US Navy to escort tankers when necessary,” she said. However, she clarified that no escort operation has taken place so far.
She said the US Navy has not escorted any tanker or vessel so far, though the option remains available.
Leavitt said the administration continues to review additional measures to secure the waterway and stabilise energy markets.
“The President and his energy team are closely watching the markets, speaking with industry leaders, and the US military is drawing up additional options following the President’s directive to continue keeping the Strait of Hormuz open,” she said.
Addressing concerns about rising fuel prices, she also reassured Americans that the increase would be temporary.
“Rest assured, to the American people, the recent increase in oil and gas prices is temporary, and this operation will result in lower gas prices in the long term,” she said.
“Once the national security objectives of Operation Epic Fury are fully achieved, Americans will see oil and gas prices drop rapidly, potentially even lower than they were before the start of the operation,” she added.
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