US President Donald Trump has said the US Navy is ready to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if needed, as tensions in the region continue to rise.

Trump also directed the US Development Finance Corporation to provide financial and risk guarantees for energy shipments passing through the Gulf, saying Washington will ensure the free flow of global energy supplies.

Gulf countries, Iran, Israel, Middle East, Strait of Hormuz, U.S.-Israeli strikes, United States