White House spokesperson Carolyn Leavitt clarified on Tuesday that the U.S. Navy was not currently escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, but added that it remained an option for the president to use if necessary. Hours before Levitt’s press conference, the U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright Claimed that the U.S. military was providing protection for an oil tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz. But the post was deleted within an hour.“President Trump has preserved global energy stability during military action against Iran,” Wright wrote, before quickly deleting it. “The U.S. Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure oil continues to flow to global markets,” the post added.Wright’s post added to confusion as trade in the Strait of Hormuz has stalled over fears of an Iranian attack since the United States and Israel launched war against Iran on February 28. More than 20% of the world’s oil is transported through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. On March 3, Trump said that the U.S. Development Finance Corporation would provide political risk insurance and guarantees for ships crossing the strait at very reasonable prices. “If necessary, the U.S. Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible,” Trump wrote. “No matter what, the United States will ensure the free flow of energy around the world.”Levitt said Wright made her aware of the social media posts, but she has not yet spoken with the energy secretary about the issues. Levitt said she was told the post was quickly removed. What prompted Wright to post the post remains a mystery. Gen. Dan Kaine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, also said on Tuesday that the U.S. military has not yet begun any operations to protect tankers in the Strait.
