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Strait of Hormuz: US-protected Omani route sees surge in oil tanker traffic
The Strait of Hormuz is experiencing a significant shift in maritime traffic as commercial vessels increasingly bypass Iranian-preferred routes in favor of a southern corridor along the coast of Oman. Data from Kpler indicates that over 80 percent of vessel transits through the strait in the past two weeks have utilized this UN-authorized Omani route, which operates under the protection of the United States Navy. This shift suggests that Iran is losing substantial control over the waterway, as it has been unable to effectively collect transit tolls or restrict movement through the southern channel.
The United States is conducting a stealth operation to secure this corridor, with US military officials stating that approximately 10 million barrels of oil are being transported daily through the strait, roughly half of pre-conflict levels. On some nights, volumes have reportedly reached between 15 and 20 million barrels. The operation is reportedly coordinated by a US task force based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and includes US fighter jets providing protection against Iranian drones and missiles.
Despite these efforts, tensions remain high. A recent attack on a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier resulted in a fatality, and at least 15 ships have been damaged by Iranian fire since June. President Donald Trump has asserted that the strait remains open and that the US maintains control, while also threatening economic consequences for any nation providing a lifeline to Iran. Meanwhile, Iran continues to demand the lifting of sanctions and the end of US military operations as conditions for fully reopening the waterway.
Entities
Donald Trump · Iran · Iran · Iran · Kpler · Kpler · Oman · Strait of Hormuz · United States · United States · United States · United States Navy
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 7 SOURCES] Saudi Aramco is negotiating the supply of Arab Medium and Arab Heavy crude via Fujairah for September. www.ekoturk.com · www.tromaktiko.gr · bpmoney.com.br · valor.globo.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Alternative shipping routes have increased transportation costs by $5–$9 per barrel and added 30 days to journeys to Asia.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Saudi Arabia is using alternative routes and increased secrecy to move crude due to Yemeni strikes in the Red Sea.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kepler reported a steeper decline in Saudi crude flows from 4.04 million to 1.78 million barrels per day.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Saudi Arabia is offering oil for sale via ship-to-ship transfers off the coast of Oman. gcaptain.com
- [● 8 SOURCES] Saudi Aramco is considering ship-to-ship oil transfers off Fujairah, UAE, to supply Asian refineries. www.ekoturk.com · www.tromaktiko.gr · bpmoney.com.br · www.marinelink.com · www.breitbart.com · +1 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Saudi Aramco is offering September crude cargoes via Egypt's Sidi Kerir terminal to avoid the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. worldstockmarket.net · www.ekoturk.com · bpmoney.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] Vortexa recorded Saudi crude flows falling from 2.71 million to 2.38 million barrels per day. worldstockmarket.net
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran expired this week. www.oslobodjenje.ba · ekonomiaonline.com · www.tportal.hr · en.tempo.co
- [● 5 SOURCES] The decline in traffic on Iran's preferred route has prevented Tehran from collecting transit fees. www.oslobodjenje.ba · ekonomiaonline.com · www.tportal.hr · en.tempo.co
- [● 6 SOURCES] One month ago, there was almost no traffic recorded on the Omani route. www.oslobodjenje.ba · ekonomiaonline.com · www.tportal.hr · en.tempo.co · conservativedailynews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The US Navy is making progress in its patrols within the strait. www.oslobodjenje.ba · ekonomiaonline.com · www.tportal.hr