US Predicts Strait of Hormuz to Reopen by Late Summer

Istanbul (ANTARA) - US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Friday (15/5) that the Strait of Hormuz is expected to reopen by late summer.

Wright also warned that the US military could intervene if Iran continues to disrupt traffic in the strategic waterway.

This late summer 2026 refers to the period from the end of August to the end of September 2026.

In an interview with CNBC from an LNG terminal in Cameron, Louisiana, Wright said that a diplomatic agreement with Iran could emerge “in the next few days.”

The forecast regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains overshadowed by tensions over the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan on April 8 and then extended by US President Donald Trump.

“If Iran continues to hold the world economy hostage, the US military will force the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, but that is not something that can be easily done,” said Wright, adding that negotiations remain the preferred option.

The comments came as the American Automobile Association (AAA) reported the average US national gasoline price at $4.53 (around Rp79,000) per gallon on Friday.

This comes amid renewed political debate over Trump’s proposal to suspend the federal gasoline tax.

Wright also said that US LNG (liquefied natural gas) exports are increasing to help offset supply disruptions related to the Hormuz crisis.

Source: Anadolu