Trump Orders US Navy to Escort Oil Tankers Through the Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump announced a firm stance to safeguard sea-trade routes amid rising tensions with Iran. Through Truth Social, Trump stated the US Navy was prepared to escort tanker ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows Iran’s action of closing the Strait on Monday night, with Tehran even threatening to attack any ships attempting to pass, a threat that immediately sent crude oil prices higher on global markets.
Security and Financial Assurances: In addition to the military deployment, Trump has instructed the United States Development Finance Corporation to provide insurance and financial security guarantees for all maritime trade in the Gulf region, including oil tankers. ‘If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible. Whatever happens, the United States will ensure free energy flows to the world,’ Trump wrote.
Impact on the Global Economy: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a serious threat to global economic stability. Statistically, around 15% of world oil supplies and 20% of global LNG pass through this narrow corridor daily. Prolonged disruption to shipping in the area is feared to trigger a broader energy crisis.
Trump reiterated the US commitment to ensuring the smooth distribution of energy commodities despite mounting tensions in the region: ‘If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.’
As of now, the US Department of Defence is reported to be refining operational plans for the escort mission to anticipate further escalation in Gulf waters. (The Guardian/AFP/Z-2)
Member of DPR RI Commission II Azis Subekti warned of systemic risks to Indonesia’s economy arising from the Middle East conflict.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia said diplomacy is underway to release two PIS tankers currently in the Strait of Hormuz.
Pertamina is monitoring two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz closely to ensure fuel stocks ahead of Ramadhan and Eid al-Fitr, despite global tensions heating up.
India is the fourth-largest LNG buyer in the world and is heavily dependent on the Middle East for its imports. ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said Indonesia’s crude imports from the region account for about 20–25%, with supply disruptions possible due to the Strait of Hormuz closure.