Washington (HRNW)- The United States reportedly adopted covert oil transportation methods similar to those previously attributed to Iran in order to maintain oil exports from Gulf countries during the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a special report by Reuters.
The report states that a network of secret ship-to-ship oil transfers was established under the supervision of the US military. Under this arrangement, smaller tankers operating near the Strait of Hormuz transported oil to designated locations, where the crude was transferred to larger vessels for onward shipment to international markets.
According to Reuters, the operation began in early May 2026 and involved at least 92 ships. Satellite imagery and shipping data reportedly indicated that transfer hubs were set up near Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates and Sohar in Oman.
The report further claimed that some vessels switched off their identification transponder systems and conducted voyages at night with limited lighting. These tactics have previously been associated with Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet” used to circumvent sanctions. Reuters reported that drones, helicopters, and other surveillance assets were allegedly utilized to monitor and guide the maritime operation.
Sources cited in the report said the strategy enabled the transportation of millions of barrels of oil from the Persian Gulf to global markets each day, helping to reduce pressure on international energy supplies during the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
The report comes days after US President Donald Trump stated during a conversation with reporters at the White House that the United States had continued moving oil during the Strait of Hormuz crisis and that Iran became aware of the activity only later.
The claims contained in the Reuters report have drawn significant attention because of their implications for global energy security, sanctions enforcement, and maritime operations in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
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