Trump Urges Oil Tankers to Transit Strait of Hormuz Despite Iran Attacks
Key Takeaways
- Donald Trump urged oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz despite recent Iranian attacks
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said escorts will wait until conditions allow, likely via coalition
- About 1,000 ships are trapped; daily transits plunged, raising oil prices
Trump's call to tankers
President Donald Trump publicly urged oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz despite recent Iranian attacks, framing the passage as safe and challenging commercial operators to “show some guts.”
“Donald Trump urges oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, insisting Iran poses little naval threat despite recent attacks and soaring risks”
Trump told Fox News there is “nothing to be afraid of” in the strait and asserted Iran “has no navy and we sunk all their ships,” while the article notes Iran has attacked several vessels attempting to pass through the narrow waterway.
Shipping and oil impact
The maritime disruption has been severe: the article reports roughly 1,000 ships are trapped and daily transits have plunged, with only a small number getting through, threatening global energy supplies and contributing to oil prices rising above $100 a barrel.
It notes about 150 vessels a day are required to keep supplies flowing, underscoring how constrained passage is and why analysts fear a major blockade.
US escort conditionality
US officials said escorts for commercial vessels will depend on the security situation: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Sky News that the US would not escort ships until the military situation allows and that any escorting could be carried out as part of an international coalition.
“Donald Trump urges oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, insisting Iran poses little naval threat despite recent attacks and soaring risks”
Bessent said that when militarily possible the US Navy, perhaps with a coalition, would escort vessels through the strait, highlighting a cautious, conditional approach to direct military protection.
Trump's military claims
Trump asserted that US strikes have significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities and repeatedly framed US forces as possessing overwhelming firepower and time, while also claiming Tehran had aimed thousands of missiles at regional states.
He said "we have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition and plenty of time," and insisted US strikes had “knocked the hell out of them like no other nation could,” comments intended to project strength amid the maritime crisis.
Iran's resolve and uncertainty
The piece highlights uncertainty around Iranian leadership and Iran’s vow of continued resistance: Trump suggested Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei may be injured but alive, while Khamenei issued a written statement vowing Tehran would continue the fight and would not refrain from avenging those killed.
“Donald Trump urges oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, insisting Iran poses little naval threat despite recent attacks and soaring risks”
The article frames this as part of an escalating cycle of attacks and retaliations that keeps the Strait of Hormuz perilous.
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