Naval escorts will likely be needed when Strait of Hormuz reopens, Chevron CEO says [View all]

Source: CBS News

Updated on: April 24, 2026 / 9:59 PM EDT


Washington — Chevron's chief executive said it's likely that the U.S. Navy may need to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz once it reopens in order to ensure a level of security.

The standoff over the strait has intensified amid Iran's threats against the critical channel and a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, effectively closing it. The tensions have led to several maritime incidents in recent days.

Asked Thursday by "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan what Chevron would need to see to feel confident to send a ship through the strait, CEO Mike Wirth said, "we'd have to believe that our people on the ship will be safe, the cargo will be safe, and they can be transited with a high degree of confidence."

Wirth said the decision would be made "in collaboration" with the U.S. Navy and other military organizations around the world. "I think in the early days, it's very likely that you could see naval escorts, because I think some of the risks are not just mines that could be placed in the strait, but they could be also risks that could come from the land in other forms," Wirth said

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/strait-of-hormuz-naval-escorts-chevron-ceo-face-the-nation-interview/