U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that the U.S. Navy may begin escorting oil and gas tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to prevent disruptions to global energy supplies.
The announcement was made via his Truth Social account and later shared on the official White House X account on March 3, 2026, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and growing risks to maritime trade.
Trump said the United States would deploy both military and financial tools to stabilise energy shipments. He directed the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees to shipping lines operating in the Gulf at what he described as a “reasonable price.”
He added that if necessary, the U.S. Navy would begin escorting vessels through the strategic waterway to ensure uninterrupted maritime trade, particularly energy cargoes.
The move follows the withdrawal of war risk insurance by major marine insurers, including Gard, Skuld, NorthStandard, the London P&I Club and the American Club, covering vessels operating in Iranian waters and surrounding areas.
At least 150 vessels, including oil and LNG tankers, were recently reported anchored in or near the Strait, slowing shipments.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass. Rising tensions involving the U.S., Israel and Iran have heightened fears of supply disruptions, triggering volatility in global energy markets and fuel price increases in several countries.
