White House denies US military escort in Hormuz after deleted tanker claim

The White House has officially denied claims that the United States military escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, after Energy Secretary Chris Wright posted — and then deleted — a social media statement asserting the operation.

Wright’s post, published at 1:02 p.m. US Eastern time on March 10, praised the administration of President Donald Trump for “ensuring oil remains flowing to global markets” through a military escort. The post was removed within half an hour without explanation.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified at a briefing that no such escort had taken place. “I can confirm that the US Navy has not escorted a tanker or a vessel at this time,” she said, adding that the option remains available if deemed necessary.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor linking Iran, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, handles more than 20% of the world’s oil. Since the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28, trade through the strait has stalled amid fears of Iranian retaliation.

Iranian officials dismissed Wright’s deleted post as market manipulation. “US officials are posting fake news to manipulate markets. It won’t protect them from the inflationary tsunami they’ve imposed on Americans,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on social media.

President Trump has repeatedly pledged to maintain free passage for global shipping. On Tuesday, he warned Iran against deploying mines in the strait and reported the destruction of “10 inactive mine-laying vessels, with more to follow.” Earlier, he promised that the US Development Finance Corporation would provide “political risk insurance and guarantees” for tankers, with military escorts as a potential option.

However, top US military officials indicated no escort operations have begun. General Dan Caine, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the military is prepared to act if tasked but has not yet deployed forces to protect oil traffic in the strait.

The ongoing disruption has sent global oil prices soaring. In the US, the American Automobile Association reported average gas prices at $3.54 per gallon (≈₹295 per litre), up 43 cents from the previous week.

Public opinion in the US reflects growing unease over the conflict, with polls showing widespread opposition to military action against Iran. Quinnipiac University found 53% of voters opposed intervention, while Reuters-Ipsos reported 60% disapproval.

The deleted social media claim, alongside White House corrections, underscores the delicate balance between projecting strength and managing public perception amid one of the most strategically vital maritime chokepoints in the world.