US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on September 6, 2026, that the US Navy will continue escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz and defend the waterway until Iran backs down, emphasizing that naval escorts are essential to maintaining crude oil flows. The statement signals continued American naval presence in the strategically critical shipping lane.
On September 2, 2026, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that 17 million barrels of oil transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, setting a new wartime record. Wright characterized Iran's threats to the strait as attempts at extortion and dismissed concerns about disruptions.