Lagatar24 Desk
Washington: The US Navy has been quietly helping oil tankers navigate the Strait of Hormuz despite continued Iranian attacks making the key shipping route dangerous, establishing a shipping corridor along the strait’s southern side near Oman that has safely guided 15 to 20 tankers over several weeks, according to sources.
US Helps Move 10 Million Barrels Daily Through the Strait
The US is reportedly assisting tankers in moving roughly 10 million barrels of oil per day through the strait into global markets, about half the volume that typically passed through the waterway before the conflict began. President Trump said on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, noting that a significant number of vessels were passing through, and pointed out that oil prices had fallen again, from earlier projections of $350 a barrel to current levels of $84-85.
Route Remains Dangerous Despite Over 1,000 Ships Passing Through
The US military says it has helped more than 1,000 ships pass through the strait, though the route remains perilous, with at least 15 ships using the southern corridor having been struck since early June, injuring 16 sailors and killing two. Another vessel sailing near Oman was attacked this week, resulting in one crew member’s death.
Around 20 US Warships Deployed in the Gulf of Oman
The US Navy currently has approximately 20 warships stationed in the Gulf of Oman, including aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush, along with several destroyers, some of which are enforcing the US blockade of Iranian ports.
Navy Faces Logistical Strain After Bahrain Base Damaged
The Navy has faced significant logistical challenges after its base in Manama, Bahrain, was damaged in Iranian attacks at the start of the conflict, forcing US supply ships to travel to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for resupply, a journey taking more than five days each way. The USS Abraham Lincoln has remained at sea since November 21 without a port visit and will require major maintenance before its next deployment, with the Japan-based USS George Washington expected to replace it, while no replacement has been announced yet for the USS Bush.
Commercial Vessels Also Hit While Using Southern Route
Greek shipping company Dynacom had also used the southern route, but two of its tankers were struck on July 19, with one later abandoned. The UAE’s state-owned oil company ADNOC has similarly attempted to move oil through the corridor, reporting that 18 of its vessels were attacked during the conflict, resulting in one crew member’s death and 20 injuries. Despite the ongoing attacks, the US military maintains that the operation continues to help keep oil supplies flowing.
