President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after claiming that the United States has secretly been moving “millions of barrels” of oil during the ongoing crisis involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the U.S. military had conducted a covert operation to ensure the continued flow of oil through the strategically vital waterway, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. He later claimed on social media that the operation helped more than 100 million barrels of oil and over 200 commercial ships safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite escalating tensions in the region.
The President argued that the operation helped prevent a major global energy shock and kept oil prices from rising to extreme levels. Trump suggested that without the mission, oil prices could have surged dramatically, placing additional pressure on consumers and economies around the world.
However, the claims quickly generated questions after U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told lawmakers he was unaware of any operation involving the removal of millions of barrels of Iranian oil. Wright did acknowledge that the U.S. military had helped support the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz but stopped short of confirming Trump’s characterization of the operation.
The comments come amid rising military tensions between the United States and Iran following recent clashes in the Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes each day, making any disruption a major concern for global markets.
Analysts say the President’s remarks are likely to intensify debate over U.S. military involvement in protecting global energy routes and could further strain already fragile relations between Washington and Tehran. Markets have been closely watching developments in the region, with oil prices experiencing sharp swings as investors assess the risk of a wider conflict.
While the exact details of the alleged operation remain unclear, Trump’s comments have added another layer of intrigue to an already volatile geopolitical situation.
