The US Navy is not currently prepared to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, and it may take several more weeks before this becomes possible, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC.
Earlier, President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy could be brought in to help escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
It’s going to happen relatively soon, but not now,” Wright said in a 12 March interview. – We’re just not ready. All of our military resources are now focused on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities and the manufacturing industry that supports their offensive capabilities.
Wright said the Navy will probably be able to escort the tankers until the end of March.
“I’ll be at the Pentagon later today-that’s what the military is working on,” he added.
Earlier today, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei released his first public address since his election by the council of experts. His statement was read out on the country’s state television. Khamenei said the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes, should remain closed as an “instrument of pressure.”
In his message, he also said Tehran believes in friendship with its neighbours, stressing that the Iranian military only strikes US bases in those countries. Khamenei added that all US bases in the region should be closed immediately, otherwise they will be attacked.
US President Donald Trump said on 11 March that the United States had “won” the war against Iran, but says US troops will continue to attack until the job is finished while Tehran has struck at least six ships in the region and promised further strikes.
The near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a reduction in oil production by major Gulf producers and a rise in energy prices. On the morning of 12 March, the price of Brent crude oil was back above $100 a barrel.
The US and Israel have been striking Iran since 28 February. Tehran responds by attacking Israel and US military bases in the Persian Gulf.