US Energy Secretary Chris Wright posted a post on Twitter on Tuesday, in which he claimed that the US Navy has successfully escorted an oil tanker from the Strait of Hormuz. It was written in the post that US President Donald Trump is keeping the global energy supply stable during military operations against Iran and the Navy protected the tanker to keep the oil flowing to the global market. There was also a video clip in the post, which was deleted shortly.
Iran accuses American official of market manipulation
This entire claim has been completely denied by Iran. IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini said that any movement of the American fleet or its partners will be stopped with missiles and drones. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf jokingly said, ‘An oil tanker with the US Navy crossed Hormuz? Maybe on PlayStation!’ Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called it fake news and said that American officials are spreading lies to manipulate the market. This oil crisis is the biggest in history.
What impact did Chris Wright’s claim have on the market?
Due to the arrival of this post, there was a sharp fall in oil prices. Brent crude fell from $ 120 per barrel on Monday to $ 84 on Tuesday and after the post was deleted, it went below $ 80. That means there was a decline of about 15%. But the White House soon refuted this claim and clarified that no such escort operation took place.
What clarification did the White House give on Chris’s claim?
On Chris Wright’s claim, White House Press Secretary Caroline Lavitt said in a press briefing, ‘I can confirm that the US Navy has not yet escorted any tanker or ship. However, this is an option which the President has said will be used if necessary. He told that the post was deleted very quickly.
A spokesperson for the US Department of Energy also confirmed that a department employee had posted the video clip with the wrong caption, so it was removed. The department said that ministers and officials are keeping an eye on the situation in Hormuz, because it is the most important route for oil and gas supply from West Asia.
Huge turmoil in the global oil market
This incident happened on the 11th day of the Iran-America-Israel war, which started on 28 February 2026. About 20% of the world’s crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices have increased by 25% since the war started, but transportation has almost stopped. Many tankers are stranded and Iran has attacked enemy tankers. Trump had earlier warned that if Iran blocks the strait, there will be 20 times more damage. This whole matter is creating huge turmoil in the global oil market. Oil supply and prices remain a big issue for countries like India. The situation is still delicate and every update is important.
