• U.S. Energy Secretary's claim of military escort for a tanker through Hormuz was deleted shortly after posting.
• The White House clarified that no U.S. Navy escort operations have taken place in the Strait of Hormuz.
• President Trump emphasized the importance of protecting global energy flow through the critical waterway.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright made a controversial claim that the U.S. Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supply, but retracted the statement within an hour, prompting widespread confusion. The post asserted that this action was part of President Trump's efforts to maintain stability in global energy during ongoing military operations against Iran. However, it was swiftly deleted with no clarification provided, according to Al Jazeera.

Further clarification came from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who stated that the U.S. Navy had not yet conducted any escort missions through the Strait of Hormuz despite earlier assertions. The current conflict with Iran, sparked by the U.S. and Israel, has significantly restricted oil shipments, affecting global oil markets where more than 20 percent of the world's oil typically passes through this strait. Leavitt indicated that military protection remained an option for future operations, based on necessity, according to Reuters and India Times.

On March 3, President Trump stated the U.S. would provide protection for oil tankers traversing the Strait, mentioning that the Development Finance Corporation would offer political risk insurance for such vessels. However, with Iran's Revolutionary Guards warning against any U.S. military activities in the region, the situation remains precarious. General Dan Caine, head of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that plans for escorting ships were under consideration but had not yet been activated, according to Reuters, India Times, and Al Jazeera.