The United States may deploy naval escorts for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran continue, while South Korea’s chip industry warns the crisis could disrupt semiconductor demand and supply chains.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told Fox News that the U.S. Navy could begin escorting commercial vessels through the strategic waterway once operational priorities allow.
"No, not yet. We'll do that as soon as we can. Right now our Navy, and of course our military, is focused on other things, which is disarming this Iranian regime," Wright said in an interview on Fox News’ "Ingraham Angle."
Separately, South Korea’s chip industry has raised concerns that a prolonged crisis involving Iran could disrupt plans by major technology companies to build artificial intelligence data centers in the Middle East, potentially weighing on demand for advanced semiconductors.
Ruling party lawmaker Kim Young-bae said Thursday the industry warned that escalating tensions could delay investment in large-scale AI infrastructure projects across the region.
Kim made the remarks after meeting with executives from companies including Samsung Electronics, as well as representatives from business and trade groups.
Industry officials also warned the conflict could disrupt supplies of key chipmaking materials sourced from the Middle East, including helium, which is used in semiconductor manufacturing.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key global shipping route for oil exports from the Gulf, and any disruption there could affect energy markets and global supply chains.