Calls grow for Strait of Hormuz ship escorts as Iran escalates attacks

"Traffic through the Strait that typically handles about 20% of the world's oil supply "remains near zero because of threats by Iran to attack any passing vessels." Eurasia Group, a political risk research and consulting firm, said in a note Wednesday that nations are scrambling to get barrels moving as maritime commerce faces unprecedented disruption in this critical waterway."

"Maritime expert Capt. Kees Buckens told Axios it's quite easy for Iran's military to "quickly send out speedboats with loaded with bombs and missiles to attack ships if they wanted to do that." This assessment highlights the vulnerability of commercial shipping and the operational capability Iran possesses to threaten vessels in the region."

"White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed during a Tuesday briefing that the U.S. Navy "has not escorted a tanker or a vessel at this time." However, she emphasized this was an option President Trump "has said he will absolutely utilize, if and when necessary, at the appropriate time" to protect commercial shipping."

At least five cargo vessels were hit in the Strait of Hormuz region, with a UAE-flagged tugboat struck by two missiles, killing four seafarers. Traffic through the strait, which handles approximately 20% of the world's oil supply, has nearly ceased due to Iranian threats to attack passing vessels. The U.S. military destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying naval vessels amid concerns about mine deployment. Maritime experts note Iran can quickly deploy speedboats with missiles to attack ships. The White House confirmed the U.S. Navy has not yet escorted tankers but indicated this remains a potential option. A 47-nation naval partnership is developing plans to ensure safe vessel movements when conditions permit, with operations potentially extending through March.

Read at Axios