US military forces on September 1 escorted 40 commercial vessels carrying 18 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, setting a record since the escalation of the armed conflict with Iran, two US officials told CNN.
Most of the commercial vessels that passed through the Strait of Hormuz on September 1 turned off their transponders to avoid detection. They flew the flags of various countries, from Saudi Arabia to France. US forces used a wide range of air, maritime and space assets to repel drone attacks during the high‑risk tanker escort operations, and they also destroyed anti‑ship cruise missiles.
US strategy and economic pressure
According to the officials, this is part of a large‑scale effort by the administration of US President Donald Trump to increase economic pressure on Iran. The US has focused its war strategy on striking targets near the strait, escorting commercial vessels through the waterway, and maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Despite the successful operation, officials do not believe the conflict will end soon. Energy companies continue to fear the enormous risks associated with their vessels passing through the strait, even under military escort. Energy prices also remain high, causing instability in the global market.
Market impact and recent incidents
According to a source, other stated priorities of President Trump, including operations aimed at destroying elements of Iran’s nuclear program, are currently «put on the back burner». The official emphasized that US military forces have been ordered to focus all efforts on the Strait of Hormuz and prevent oil exports from Iranian ports. One source said the US blockade has stopped Iran from exporting oil since July.
It is too early to talk about a full restoration of shipping through the strait. Shipping companies that decide to pass through it mostly make decisions on a case‑by‑case basis. The cost of chartering an oil tanker to transit the strait has also surged, complicating business operations. Before the war began six months ago, about 20 million barrels of oil passed through the strait daily.
Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that two oil supertankers were struck by unidentified means while passing through the narrowest part of the Strait of Hormuz. The large tanker Sidr, operated by Saudi shipping company Bahri, was hit while traveling northeast of the city of Khasab in Oman. Another tanker, the Senegal Prosperity, was struck east of the coast of Oman. About a week ago, it was reported that Iran and Oman had agreed to divide the Strait of Hormuz and the revenues from its use.
Source: UNIAN
