US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said on Sunday that American naval escorts for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz are the critical backbone keeping crude moving through the waterway—signaling the protective mission is unlikely to wind down anytime soon.

Speaking on a Sunday news program, Wright noted, "A significant volume of vessels is transiting, but that relies on US military operations. Iran continues to create disturbances, yet the US Navy is winning this fight."

In multiple television appearances over the weekend, Wright highlighted that daily oil flows through the Strait exceed nine million barrels. Combined with pipeline shipments and other export routes, total regional petroleum movement has reached "two-thirds of pre-conflict levels or higher." He also revealed that a single day last week saw approximately 17 million barrels transit the strait.

The recent exchange of fire in the waterway underscores the persistent risk in this vital passage. On Saturday, US Central Command reported that after Iran's Revolutionary Guard fired ballistic missiles at two American warships, US forces struck three Iranian tankers.

Before the February 28 US-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz carried roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply. Now, the US Navy is ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels there. When asked whether naval operations in the strait have become the "new normal," Wright acknowledged, "That’s the reality at the moment."

"However, moving forward, I’m confident other nations will join us in this effort," Wright added. "Global trade is too vital for the US to shoulder the burden alone. But until Iran changes its stance or its government shifts, we must address this situation head-on."

Keeping oil flowing is essential to satisfying global energy demand and protecting the world economy already battered by the war with Iran. Domestically, this issue is equally sensitive politically. The Trump administration aims to ease voter concerns about rising consumer prices ahead of the November midterm elections, with US fuel costs climbing sharply.

According to AAA data, the national average for regular gasoline reached $4.15 per gallon on Friday, a historic high for September and well above the $3.80 seen earlier this summer. Diesel prices also hit a record $5.88 per gallon. Wright stated that with the summer driving season winding down and federal policies adjusting fuel blending to boost supply, there is still room for gasoline prices to ease.

Refiners are pressing the government to relax biofuel blending mandates, arguing these rules push up pump prices. Most countries have been reluctant to join the escort mission in the Strait of Hormuz. Recent reports from South Korean media indicate Seoul is evaluating military options to help keep the waterway open, while Britain and France have previously proposed a multinational task force for mine clearing and civilian shipping protection in the strait.

Wright declined to name which nations might participate, reiterating that the US Navy remains the cornerstone for now. He said on a Sunday program, "It’s the US Navy that ensures oil exports keep moving. We want Iran to stop its actions, and we’re simultaneously degrading its capacity to cause harm. Our experience and ability to counter attacks continue to improve, and Iran’s efforts will ultimately prove futile."