US conducts stealth oil transport operations through the Strait of Hormuz

The United States has established a guarded maritime corridor through the southern channel of the Strait of Hormuz, near the coast of Oman, to secure global energy supplies amidst escalating conflict with Iran. This clandestine operation, which has been active for several weeks, involves the transit of 15 to 20 oil tankers nightly. These vessels transport approximately 10 million barrels of crude oil daily, representing roughly half of the pre-war export volume through the strait. The initiative aims to circumvent intensified Iranian pressure and attacks on commercial shipping.

To further mitigate the risk of drone strikes and interception, oil companies from Gulf nations such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates are increasingly utilizing 'dark' transit tactics. A notable example occurred on July 31, 2026, when the Greek-owned supertanker Kiku disabled its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder while navigating near Dubai, only to reappear on tracking monitors after successfully clearing the strait the following morning. Despite these measures, tensions remain high, evidenced by Iran's recent unsuccessful attempt to disrupt traffic using ballistic missiles aimed at the strait, which were countered by UAE air defenses.