Safe passage through Strait of Hormuz now requires military force, says US energy secretary

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has stated that military force is necessary for ships to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The US Navy is currently providing assistance to multiple vessels navigating the strait. In an interview with CNN, Wright emphasized that only Iranian ships refrain from using the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a "ticking time bomb" for their economy.

He further explained that while US forces are aiding many ships in crossing the strait, it still requires military intervention to ensure their passage. Wright clarified that they are not operating at pre-war levels in this scenario.

In contrast to Iranian media reports alleging an attack on a US vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Tim Hawkins dismissed these claims as "an outright lie." CENTCOM reported that they had rerouted 92 commercial vessels, disabled three ships, and boarded two others to maintain the maritime blockade on Iran. CENTCOM also stated that a US F-35A stealth fighter is currently patrolling the area, while they continue to enforce the blockade.