Secret Hormuz corridor: How US kept ships, oil moving despite Iran threat

In recent weeks, the US military secretly facilitated the passage of commercial tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway blocked by Iran. Axios reported on the operation, citing two US officials familiar with it. According to the report, 15-20 tankers navigated a southern channel of the strait each night, guided by US military assistance, under the supervision of the US military.

This operation transported approximately 10 million barrels of oil daily, roughly half the volume that usually passed through the waterway pre-war. The previously unnoticed operation has been instrumental in maintaining oil exports, easing pressure on global oil supplies after the war had driven crude prices to record highs. The US effort extends beyond escorting oil tankers; American forces also help empty tankers travel from the Arabian Sea to Gulf ports, where they load oil before heading back.

These vessels follow a nightly schedule based on US military instructions, transiting the southern lane of the strait. The US task force coordinating the operation is based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and collaborates with Gulf partners to compile daily lists of tankers traversing the strait. US Air Force fighter jets provide protection against Iranian drones and cruise missiles during crossings.

Iran's ability to monitor traffic was weakened following a two-week US Central Command campaign targeting Iran's radar and maritime surveillance capabilities. The degraded surveillance has limited Iran's visibility over traffic, forcing it to rely on limited radar systems and spotters from IRGC fast boats. Despite Iranian attacks, US forces have intercepted some drones and cruise missiles.

The ongoing operation has kept oil flowing despite the broader conflict, with 15-20 tankers transiting the strait each night. On some days, as many as 15 to 20 million barrels of oil have moved out of the Gulf, making a significant difference to global energy supplies. President Trump stated that the US is not currently negotiating with Iran, emphasizing that such negotiations were a waste of time.