US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated in a 12/3 interview with CNBC that escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz "will happen relatively soon, but not right now." He explained, "We are not ready. All our military resources are focused on neutralizing Iran's offensive capabilities, as well as the industry supplying these weapons."

Wright indicated that the US Navy might be capable of escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz by the end of this month. He mentioned, "I will be at the Pentagon later today; that is what the military is doing," and predicted the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran "will last a few weeks, not months."

The amphibious assault ship USS Essex and a US logistics vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz in 9/2021. *US Navy*

On 3/3, US President Donald Trump declared that the US Navy would soon escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway remains congested, with shipowners concerned about Iranian attacks on their vessels, which could disrupt the flow of oil and gas from the Persian Gulf globally.

To mitigate the disruption, more than 30 nations agreed on 11/3 to release 400 million barrels of oil from their reserves, including 172 million barrels from the US strategic reserve. Despite being the largest reserve release in history, this action did not stabilize the oil market.

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. *Guardian*

General Ibrahim Jabbari, an advisor to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), announced on 3/3 that the force had closed the Strait of Hormuz and would attack any vessel attempting to pass. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has recorded at least three cargo ships attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

In his first message since taking office, released on 12/3, new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated that Iran would continue to blockade the Strait of Hormuz "if fighting continues and we deem it appropriate."

The IRGC also warned on the same day that it would inflict severe damage on the Middle East's oil and gas industry if Iran's energy infrastructure or ports were attacked.

The Middle East has been engulfed in conflict since the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on 28/2. Iran retaliated by launching missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at Israel and US bases in Arab countries in the region. The clashes have resulted in approximately 2,000 deaths, primarily in Iran, and affected many regional countries.

Nguyen Tien (According to WarZone, AFP, AP, CNBC)