Trump: US Navy Escorted 1,000 Ships Through Strait of Hormuz

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. Navy escorted over a thousand commercial vessels and tankers to ensure their safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This was stated in a post on his "Truth Social" platform. The announcement coincided with three U.S. officials confirming the transit of about 40 oil tankers through the Strait, round trip, on Friday night. This allowed the transport of approximately 16 million barrels of oil via the "Southern Corridor" near Omani territorial waters, which is secured by the United States. Reports indicated that ships opted for the Southern Corridor to avoid the northern route, over which Iran exerts de facto control, due to ongoing security tensions that have affected navigation in the Strait. U.S. escort operations, according to reports, contributed to curbing sudden rises in global oil prices, despite navigation in the Strait remaining at approximately 20% of its levels recorded before the war. In a related context, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the United States has raised its oil and gas production to record levels, thus becoming the world's largest energy producer. Conversely, Iranian media reported that Tehran permitted Iraqi oil tankers to pass in response to requests from Baghdad.