Iran Ridicules US Over Deleted Tanker Escort Claim as Hormuz Crisis Deepens

Conflicting Signals from Washington

Published – Araweelo News Network | Associated Online Agencies

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Tehran (ANN)- Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf mocked the United States after a controversial claim by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright that the US Navy had escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz was quickly deleted and later denied by the White House.
The incident triggered a new wave of political tension between Iran and the United States, as officials in Tehran accused Washington of spreading misinformation to influence global oil markets amid the escalating war in the Middle East.

Deleted Post Sparks Controversy
The controversy began when Wright posted on social media at 1:02 PM US Eastern Time (17:00 GMT) claiming that the United States Navy had successfully escorted an oil tanker through the strategic waterway.
In the post, Wright praised the administration of US President Donald Trump, saying the move demonstrated Washington’s ability to “maintain stability of global energy during military operations against Iran.”
However, the post was deleted less than 30 minutes later, without explanation.
Soon after, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the claim was inaccurate.
“I can confirm that the US Navy has not escorted a tanker or a vessel at this time,” Leavitt told reporters.
She added that while military escorts remained a possibility, no such operation had yet taken place.
Strategic Waterway at the Center of the Crisis
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying more than 20 percent of global oil shipments.
Commercial traffic in the strait has slowed dramatically since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iranian targets, raising fears of retaliation that could disrupt global energy supply.

Tehran Accuses Washington of “Fake News”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed Wright’s deleted post as a deliberate attempt to manipulate the market.
“US officials are posting fake news to manipulate markets,” Araqchi wrote on social media.
“It will not protect them from the inflationary tsunami they have imposed on Americans.”
Araqchi warned that the world could face one of the largest oil supply shortages in history, potentially exceeding the combined impact of the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo, the Iranian Revolution, and Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990.
Conflicting Signals from Washington
Despite the denial, President Donald Trump had previously indicated that the US might deploy naval escorts to protect shipping in the strait.
On March 3, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation would offer political risk insurance and financial guarantees to vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
He also suggested military protection could follow if necessary.
“If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible,” Trump said.
However, Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed Tuesday that no tanker protection missions had yet begun.
Oil Prices Surge Amid Uncertainty
The tensions have already shaken global energy markets.
According to the American Automobile Association, gasoline prices in the United States have risen 43 cents over the past week, pushing the national average to $3.54 per gallon (94 cents per liter).
Analysts warn that any further disruption to traffic in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger even sharper increases in oil prices worldwide.
Public Opposition to War
Meanwhile, public opposition to the conflict is growing inside the United States.
A recent poll by Quinnipiac University found that 53 percent of American voters strongly oppose military action against Iran.
Another survey conducted by Reuters and Ipsos showed 60 percent of respondents disapprove of the war.
Escalation Continues Across the Region
Despite rising criticism, military operations continue across the region.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched waves of missile and drone attacks targeting US military bases in the Middle East and strategic sites inside Israel.
Iranian officials say the strikes are aimed at key American and Israeli interests, warning that further escalation remains possible.
Analysts note that Iran’s expanding use of advanced ballistic missiles and long-range drones has surprised both US and Israeli defense systems, increasing fears that the conflict could spiral into a wider regional war.
At present, no clear diplomatic initiative appears to be underway to halt the fighting, raising concerns that the crisis could continue to destabilize global energy markets and security across the Middle East.

By Arraale M Jama Freelance Journalist and Human Rights
activist.
Araweelo News Network | Associated Online Agencies