US Energy Department blames its staff for an errant Navy escort Post

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Energy allegedly posted a message on Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s official X page on Tuesday, which incorrectly stated that the U.S. Navy escorted a tanker through the Strait of Hormuz.

The post was deleted quickly, but it had raised expectations in the global oil industry that oil and gas would be able to flow again through this vital 'waterway', which is effectively closed after the Israeli and U.S. strike on Iran began Feb. 28. The narrow strait between Iran and Oman is normally the route for a fifth or more of the world's oil &?gas. Its closure has caused a surge in energy prices.

A spokesperson for the Department of Energy said in an email that a video clip had been removed from Secretary Wright's X account because it had been incorrectly captioned.

The spokesperson stated that "President Trump and Secretary 'Wright are closely monitoring the situation. They have spoken with industry leaders and asked the U.S. Military to draw up additional options in order to keep the Strait of Hormuz?open, including the possibility of our Navy escorting tankers."

The White House clarified on Tuesday that no vessels had yet been escorted through the Strait by the Navy. (Reporting and editing by Nick Zieminski, Richard Valdmanis)

(source: Reuters)