Department of Energy addresses deleted video

"having the U.S. military draw up additional options to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, including the potential for our Navy to escort tankers... did send WTI to a session low of 76.83." The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most critical chokepoint for global oil transit. Typically, Middle East tensions create a geopolitical risk premium that drives oil prices higher due to fears of supply disruption. However, if the U.S. Navy actively escorts tankers, the threat of a blockade or attack is severely diminished. Guaranteed safe passage ensures uninterrupted global supply, which removes the fear-based premium from crude oil pricing. SHORT USO. The immediate market reaction—selling WTI down to a session low—confirms that military protection of the strait is viewed as a bearish catalyst that secures supply lines. If the presence of the U.S. Navy escalates into a direct kinetic conflict with a foreign adversary, or if a tanker is successfully attacked despite the escorts, the risk premium would immediately return and cause a violent spike in oil prices.