The US is using an Iranian smuggling tactic to sneak oil out of the Gulf: Reuters
Reuters found at least 90 million barrels moved through the offshore network since early May, with U.S. military surveillance guiding the transfers.
- The United States military has overseen secret ship-to-ship oil transfers near the Strait of Hormuz since early May, using aerial and maritime surveillance to guide convoys through the blockade.
- Iran effectively closed the Strait, prompting the US-led operation to restore supply routes; at least 92 ships have moved 90 million barrels through the offshore network since May.
- Operators must undergo compliance reviews through the US Navy's Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping office in Bahrain; participating vessels operate with transponders off and lights dimmed to evade detection.
- On June 9, Iran downed an Apache helicopter involved in the mission, sparking retaliatory US bombings; the operation also faces collision hazards from unlit ships traveling without standard reporting protocols.
- President Donald Trump announced the Strait of Hormuz would reopen on June 19 under a framework peace deal with Iran, potentially rendering the US-led offshore transfer operation obsolete.
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75 Articles
Americans have been forced to resort to an oil smuggling technique associated with internationally sanctioned countries. More information: Trump presumes to remove "millions of barrels" of crude from Ormuz but in May they crossed 30% fewer ships
Helicopter shot down by Iran on 9 June was involved in a shuttle mission between tankers; at least 116 vessels have already used method
US using an Iranian smuggling tactic to sneak oil out of Gulf
The United States military has overseen scores of secretive ship-to-ship oil transfers to keep Gulf energy exports flowing, using aerial and water drones as well as helicopters in an operation to guide convoys to awaiting tankers. The operation on the edge of the Strait of Hormuz employs a shuttling technique long used by Iran to skirt sanctions. Two specific locations where the oil transfers take place were identified by 11 people familiar with…
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