US President Donald Trump insists that the US Navy can escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz if needed, but a top military general has cast doubt on the capability.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine described the Strait as a 'tactically complex environment' and said the US wants to ensure its military objectives are met before taking any action.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the US military is 'not ready' for the task, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent believes the US Navy will be escorting vessels through the Strait 'relatively soon'.
The comments come as tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate, with the US launching its most fierce attack this week and Iran firing missiles and drones at Israel.
The International Energy Agency has warned that the conflict is creating the biggest oil supply disruption in history, with average US retail diesel prices hitting $4.89 a gallon on Thursday.
