Shipping industry sources told British media on the 10th that ever since the US and Israel began military strikes against Iran, the industry has been requesting the US Navy to provide military escort for commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but the US military has refused, citing the currently excessively high risk of attacks.
Industry insiders noted that the US Navy regularly holds briefings with shipping and oil industry representatives, and has told industry participants that it is currently unable to provide escorts. The shipping industry submits escort requests almost daily, but the assessment given by the US Navy at Tuesday’s briefing has not changed; escorts will only be considered once the risk of attacks decreases.
US President Trump had previously stated that the US Navy could provide military escorts for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but the above-mentioned military assessment differs from Trump’s remarks.