U.S. Energy Secretary Mistakenly Sends "Escort Ship" Message Causing Market Turmoil, White House Clarifies: Navy Has Not Taken Action

**March 11 (Tuesday) —** U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright mistakenly posted and later deleted a social media message Tuesday claiming the U.S. Navy had escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. The post briefly roiled markets: international oil prices plunged nearly 20%, while U.S. WTI crude briefly fell below $77 per barrel. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt subsequently clarified the U.S. Navy has not yet escorted any tankers or vessels through the strait, but the military is weighing various options—including naval escorts—to address potential shipping disruptions by Iran. On the same day, former President Donald Trump posted a series of social media messages stating the U.S. has received no reports of Iran laying mines in the strait, but urged Iran to remove any potential explosive devices. He also noted the U.S. military has destroyed 10 "inactive mine-laying ships." The ongoing Middle East conflict entered its 11th day Tuesday. Pete Hegseth stated the U.S. and Israel are continuing to strike Iranian targets and will sustain operations until the adversary is defeated. Approximately 150 U.S. troops have been injured in the conflict. Energy transport in the Persian Gulf remains disrupted due to the conflict, with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, and Kuwait showing signs of production cuts. Concerns over global energy supply remain elevated.