The United States Navy has reportedly declined repeated requests from shipping companies for military escorts through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Reuters, sources said the Navy has refused near-daily requests because the security risks in the region are currently too high.
Industry representatives have been pressing for protection to guide tankers through the critical waterway, but the US Navy has reportedly told shipping and oil executives during regular briefings that it is unable to provide escorts for the time being.
The stance contrasts with earlier remarks by Donald Trump, who said the US would be prepared to escort vessels if necessary to help restore oil shipments through the strait.
Traffic through the narrow passage has effectively halted since the conflict involving Iran began, disrupting exports of vital oil supplies.
Last week, a senior figure in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that the strait was closed and threatened to fire on any vessel attempting to pass. Several ships have reportedly already been struck.
