US Navy Would Escort Oil Tankers Through Strait Of Hormuz If Necessary: Donald Trump

Last Updated:March 04, 2026, 02:52 IST

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the United States Navy would escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, as concerns mount over energy supply disruptions amid the Iran war that have already rattled global markets.

“If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible. No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

He also directed the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for maritime trade moving through the Gulf, as tensions escalate amid the Iran conflict.

In his post on Truth Social, Trump said: “Effective IMMEDIATELY, I have ordered 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 Maritime Trade, especially Energy, traveling through the Gulf. This will be available to all Shipping Lines. If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible. No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD. The United States’ ECONOMIC and MILITARY MIGHT is the GREATEST ON EARTH — More actions to come."

The remarks came as world oil prices surged around eight percent, with Brent crude topping $85 a barrel for the first time since July 2024. European natural gas prices rose for a second consecutive day as the conflict in West Asia disrupted exports. The Strait of Hormuz — a narrow chokepoint between Iran and Oman — handles roughly a fifth of global oil shipments and has effectively become the focal point of supply concerns.

The spike in energy costs has fuelled fears of renewed inflation, pushing back expectations of interest rate cuts in major economies. Wall Street’s main indices fell more than one percent in midday trading, while European markets dropped sharply, with Frankfurt and Paris down over three percent.

The US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation across West Asia have severely disrupted regional energy flows, with the crucial Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly a fifth of global oil shipments pass — effectively closed off.

The conflict started with US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, which sparked retaliatory Iranian attacks and showed no sign of abating as it entered its fourth day.

Iran has unleashed missiles and drones across West Asia, including at Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Dubai, while threatening explicitly to drive up global energy costs.

News world US Navy Would Escort Oil Tankers Through Strait Of Hormuz If Necessary: Donald Trump

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