▲ U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on the 6th (local time) that he expects allies and partner nations to swiftly expand their roles in the Strait of Hormuz.
In interviews with CNN, Fox News, and other broadcasters that day, Wright emphasized that U.S. military operations supporting crude oil transport in the Strait of Hormuz are essential, while also stressing the need for other nations to join in by providing military assets.
"Many ships are passing through the strait, and of course, U.S. military support is needed for this," he said. "Iran is still causing trouble, but the U.S. Navy is winning that fight."
When asked if the U.S. support operations in the Strait of Hormuz signify a "new normal," Wright replied, "As of today, yes."
He added, "Looking ahead, however, I believe other countries will also come and join us in this effort."
He went on to emphasize, "Global trade is important," and "This should not be solely America's responsibility."
In his interview with Fox News, Wright also revealed, "Many other countries have contacted us," adding, "They want to cooperate with us and be helpful."
He continued, "Other military assets currently involved (besides the U.S.) belong to our friends and allies in the region (the Middle East)," and stated, "We hope such assets will come in from outside the region as well. We hope that happens swiftly."
This is interpreted as an expectation for allies and partner countries outside the Middle East to also expand their military contributions.
This remark is drawing attention as it comes amid the U.S. requesting allies to expand their roles regarding the issue of navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz.
The South Korean government is also reviewing ways to expand its military contribution in the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Wright did not mention specific countries, including South Korea, nor did he specify particular military assets or forms of support during the interviews.
Addressing criticisms from private analytical institutions and others that the daily crude oil transport volume in the Strait of Hormuz released by the Trump administration was exaggerated, Wright refuted them, saying, "They are facts, not speculation."
He stated that approximately 18 million barrels of crude oil moved through the Strait of Hormuz over a 24-hour period early last week.
He also explained that the current daily average crude oil transport volume via maritime routes exceeds 9 million barrels, with an additional 4 to 5 million barrels being transported via pipelines.
Meanwhile, congressional media outlet The Hill reported that Wright stated in an interview with ABC News that a nuclear agreement between the Trump administration and Iran might not happen.
Wright said, "There might not be a nuclear agreement. It could simply come down to neutralizing Iran's nuclear development capabilities," adding that a nuclear deal with Iran "could be pushed off to the next administration."
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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