US pledges reliable energy supply to Asia-Pacific amid Middle East conflict

TOKYO: The United States has assured countries in the Asia-Pacific region of a stable and dependable energy supply, as ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupts the flow of oil and gas. US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum made the announcement on Saturday during an event in Tokyo attended by representatives from 17 regional countries.

The assurance comes as oil and gas prices have surged following US-Israeli strikes on Iran that resulted in the death of Iran's supreme leader and escalated into a broader Middle East war. The conflict has led to a near-total halt of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for oil and gas shipments, most of which are destined for Asia.

Speaking at the event, Secretary Burgum highlighted the US administration's "energy dominance" policy, stating that it aims to ensure prosperity at home while enabling the United States to export energy to its allies and partners. "We have energy to allow for prosperity at home, and we have the ability to sell energy to our friends and allies," Burgum said.

Burgum emphasized that this approach would provide the region with a "reliable, affordable and secure" energy supply that "can’t be interrupted by a terrorist regime." He also addressed the importance of securing critical mineral supplies, as countries in the region seek to reduce their reliance on single sources for essential materials.

The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns among Asia-Pacific nations, which rely heavily on energy imports from the Middle East. The US assurance is seen as an effort to mitigate the impact of the ongoing conflict on regional energy security.