U.S. Deploys Naval Escorts to Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Fuel Prices and Gulf Strikes

On March 13, 2026, the U.S. government announced that naval assets will begin escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz to counter ongoing Iranian attacks. The move, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, comes as Operation Epic Fury enters its 13th day, causing a global surge in fuel and gas prices. Sustaining the conflict has proven costly; congressional testimony revealed the U.S. spent $11.3 billion in the first six days alone, with officials warning that a $50 billion supplemental funding request may be necessary to maintain operations. In the Persian Gulf, Iranian drone and missile strikes have intensified, hitting critical infrastructure in Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE. Notable targets include oil refineries, storage facilities, and airports, with smoke reported over Manama and debris hitting residential areas in Dubai. Iranian officials claim that 12 days of U.S. and Israeli bombardment have resulted in nearly 1,350 civilian deaths within Iran. President Trump has denied U.S. responsibility for specific bombings, attributing the destruction to Iran's own military operations. Domestically, the Trump administration faces mounting pressure from 46 Democratic and independent senators who have called on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to investigate civilian harm caused by U.S. strikes. Meanwhile, questions regarding the stability of the Iranian government persist. Rep. Rick Crawford, House Intelligence Committee chair, noted that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a public appearance since reports surfaced of his injury in a February 28 strike, raising concerns over a potential power vacuum in Tehran.