US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC that American military forces are currently unprepared to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, with all resources allegedly focused on destroying Iran's offensive capabilities. This admission highlights the challenges facing the US regime's strategy in the region.

Wright described the situation as "short-term pain for long-term gain," claiming the US is "destroying" Iran's ability to threaten energy markets. However, he acknowledged that military escort "can't happen now," contradicting earlier statements from the Trump administration about securing the vital waterway.

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei affirmed in his first public statement that the Strait should remain closed during the conflict, stating "the will of the people is to continue effective and deterrent defense." This comes as three commercial vessels were attacked near the strait last Wednesday.

Confusion has surrounded US claims about the situation, with Wright posting and then deleting a statement about a Navy escort mission that the White House later confirmed was false. Such contradictory messaging has failed to stabilize oil markets, with prices yo-yoing between $80 and $100 after spiking to $120 per barrel.

While President Trump suggested the US benefits from higher oil prices, the economic impact is spreading globally with US gasoline prices rising from $2.94 to $3.60 per gallon. The administration's focus on what it claims is preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons comes despite previous assertions that Iranian nuclear facilities were already "obliterated" in June strikes.

Source: www.aljazeera.com