The U.S. Navy has declined daily requests for Strait of Hormuz escorts, citing high risk of attacks from Iranian forces. Multiple sources confirmed to Reuters that despite White House pressure to encourage shipping, Navy officials told industry leaders no escorts would be provided through the strategic waterway.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright had claimed a Navy vessel escorted one tanker, but that statement was quickly withdrawn. Iran's IRGC has boasted that no U.S. warships have approached the strait since February 28, and shipping industry accounts appear to confirm this assessment. Tehran has threatened to set passing ships "on fire" and warned merchant vessels to be "very careful" when transiting.

While the U.S. maintains escorts may happen "at the appropriate time," other nations are stepping up. Pakistan has begun sending warships to accompany tankers, and France pledged a 10-ship commitment to protect shipping throughout the Mideast. Only a handful of Western owners have attempted the run with AIS transponders turned off, highlighting the extreme caution prevailing in the region.