The United States has quietly initiated a series of ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Gulf of Oman, employing methods reminiscent of Iran’s own strategies to bypass sanctions. This covert operation, overseen by the US military, aims to sustain Gulf energy exports despite the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The transfers occur at two key locations: off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates and near Oman’s port of Sohar. Since early May, at least 92 ships have participated in these operations, according to shipping data and satellite imagery. The US military utilizes aerial drones, water drones, and helicopters to guide convoys to awaiting tankers, ensuring the safe transfer of oil.
The Operation and Its Risks
The operation involves tankers sailing to designated meeting points before reaching the strait, where they stagger their departures to maintain a safe distance. The ships turn off their transponders and dim their lights to avoid detection. Once they pass through the strait, just beyond the zone Iran claims as its territory, the tankers transfer oil to Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs). These transfers can take between 24 and 40 hours to complete.
The operation is not without risks. The Fujairah port has been a target of Iranian attacks, and the potential for further disruptions remains high. “You just don’t know when Iran might decide to use drones or gunboats to prevent ships from transiting the strait,” said Noam Raydana senior fellow at the Washington Institute specializing in maritime risk.
The Role of the US Military
The US military maintains full control over these transfer operations, according to multiple sources. The military monitors the progress of designated tankers through a series of waypoints, ensuring their safe passage. However, the extent of the military’s involvement and the specific role of an Apache helicopter downed by Iran on June 9 remain unclear. The helicopter was part of the mission, but its exact function in the operation has not been confirmed.
The operation is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to restore normal oil flows from the Gulf. President Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen under a framework peace deal with Iran, although details of the deal remain vague. It is unclear whether this deal has affected the ongoing oil transfers.
The Broader Context
Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of global oil consumption normally passes, has caused significant disruptions in the global energy supply. This has led to inflation and economic instability worldwide. The ship-to-ship transfers, though risky and inefficient, are a crucial part of the effort to mitigate these disruptions.
The operation also highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. The Iranian government has not responded to requests for comment about the transfer operation, and the future of these transfers remains uncertain amid the volatile geopolitical landscape.
