U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright removed a message from his X account on Tuesday that had stated the U.S. Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz "to ensure oil remains flowing to global markets." The post's deletion came without explanation, and it was not clear from public sources why Wright chose to take the message down.
The deleted post attributed a protective role to the U.S. Navy in the transit of an oil vessel through the strategically significant waterway, framing the action as a measure aimed at preserving continuous oil supplies to international markets.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards responded to Wright's now-deleted message by denying that any such escort had occurred. Alimohammad Naini, a spokesperson for the Revolutionary Guards, was quoted by Iranian state media saying, "Any movement of the US fleet and its allies will be stopped by our missiles and drones." He also said, according to state media, "The claim that an oil tanker escorted by the US terrorist army passed through the Strait of Hormuz is a complete lie."
The public record on the exchange is limited to Wright's deleted social media post and the Revolutionary Guards' denial reported by state media. No further official clarifications, confirmations or explanations were provided in the available reports about whether U.S. naval vessels accompanied an oil tanker on the passage, or why the Energy Secretary removed the post.
Observers following the brief online exchange have only the two opposing statements: the initial claim of a U.S. naval escort aimed at ensuring oil deliveries, and the Revolutionary Guards' categorical denial and warning. The lack of additional information leaves key questions unanswered about the circumstances behind the social media post and the differing public accounts.
Given the limited and directly contradictory statements, the situation remains one where official details are sparse and the public record is confined to the deleted post and the response from Iran's military officialdom as carried by state media.
Clear summary
Chris Wright removed an X post that said the U.S. Navy had escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz to maintain oil flows to global markets. Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied such an escort took place and warned U.S. movements would be met with missiles and drones, according to state media. The reason for the deletion was not stated.