In a major escalation of the U.S. military commitment in the Middle East, President Donald Trump has ordered the United States Navy to begin escorting oil and gas tankers through the Strait of Hormuz “if necessary.” The directive, issued late Tuesday via Truth Social, aims to break a four-day maritime blockade that has paralyzed one of the world’s most vital energy arteries and sent global oil prices surging.
“Effective IMMEDIATELY, I have ordered the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide political risk insurance and guarantees for the Financial Security of ALL Maritime Trade,” Trump announced. He followed this with a blunt military pledge: “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 President’s order represents a sharp U-turn from earlier this week when Navy officials reportedly told shipping representatives there was “no chance” of such escorts due to the high risk of Iranian missile fire. The Strait remains a “super weapons engagement zone,” with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warning that any vessel attempting the 100-mile passage will be “met with lethal force” and “set on fire.”
The crisis has already taken a heavy toll on global shipping. Satellite imagery shows approximately 200 tankers currently stranded or anchored outside the strait, with major carriers like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd suspending all transits. At least five tankers have reportedly been struck by projectiles since the U.S.-Israeli “Operation Epic Fury” began on February 28. In the U.S., gas prices jumped an average of 11 cents in a single day, while Brent crude has risen nearly 13% as analysts warn of a potential spike to $100 per barrel.
The stakes could not be higher. Roughly 20% of the world’s oil and 25% of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through this narrow waterway. By offering government-backed insurance and military protection, the Trump administration is attempting to force a restart of trade, even as it prepares for what the President calls a “four-to-five week” conflict to neutralize Iran’s retaliatory capabilities.
