U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a March 12 CNBC interview that the U.S. Navy was "not ready" to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz amid Iranian attacks but that the Navy would likely be ready to do so by the end of March. U.S. officials have also said Iran has laid about a dozen mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Wright's remarks came after Brent crude oil jumped about 7% to nearly $100 per barrel after three more ships were attacked overnight on March 11-12 in the Persian Gulf, including a U.S.-owned vessel experiencing a major explosion after being reportedly hit with an unmanned speed boat carrying explosives.