Ankara: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Friday stated that the Strait of Hormuz is anticipated to reopen "sometime this summer at the latest." He also cautioned that the US military may intervene if Iran continues to disrupt the traffic through this critical maritime passageway.

According to Anadolu Agency, Wright spoke to CNBC from an LNG terminal in Cameron, Louisiana, where he mentioned that a diplomatic agreement with Iran could materialize "in the next few days," despite ongoing tensions surrounding the fragile US-Iran ceasefire. This ceasefire was initially brokered by Pakistan on April 8 and was later extended by US President Donald Trump.

Wright emphasized the potential economic impact, stating, "If Iran continues to hold the world economy hostage, the US military will force the reopening of the Straits of Hormuz, but that's not trivial to do." He noted that negotiations remain the preferred means of resolution.

The statement coincided with the American Automobile Association (AAA) reporting the US national average gasoline price at $4.53 per gallon on Friday. This development has fueled renewed political debate over President Trump's proposal to suspend the federal gas tax. Additionally, Wright pointed out that US LNG exports are on the rise, helping to offset supply disruptions associated with the Hormuz crisis.