HIGHMILITARY

US 'not ready' to escort tankers through Hormuz — all military assets focused on striking Iran

2026-03-12 · 13:30 UTC·Strait of Hormuz / Washington, DC

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the military is currently 'not ready' to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz because all assets are focused on striking Iran. 'It'll happen relatively soon, but it can't happen now. We're simply not ready,' Wright told CNBC. He added that escorts are 'quite likely' by the end of the month. This admission underscores the strategic tradeoff: the US cannot simultaneously prosecute the air campaign against Iran and protect Gulf shipping.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on Thursday March 12 that the US military is currently 'not ready' to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz because all military assets are focused on destroying Iran's offensive capabilities. 'It'll happen relatively soon, but it can't happen now. We're simply not ready,' Wright told CNBC. 'All of our military assets right now are focused on destroying Iran's offensive capabilities and the manufacturing industry that supplies their offensive capabilities.' He said it is 'quite likely' such escorts would be taking place by the end of March. The statement comes as Iran's new Supreme Leader Khamenei declared that Hormuz should remain closed as leverage and the G7 has been examining ship escort options. Iran continues to export ~1.5M barrels/day despite the conflict, with China receiving ~1.25M barrels daily.

Actor responses

United StatesSUPPORTINGSTATEMENT

Energy Secretary Wright: US military 'not ready' for Hormuz escorts. All assets on striking Iran. Escorts 'quite likely' by end of month.

IranSUPPORTINGSTATEMENT

Supreme Leader Khamenei declared Hormuz should remain closed as leverage. Iran continues exporting ~1.5M barrels/day despite conflict.