Key Takeaways
- Ships are avoiding a US military-guided route through the Strait of Hormuz due to safety concerns.
- Iran has claimed responsibility for attacks on two Emirati oil supertankers in recent days.
- The US-led initiative aimed at keeping Gulf energy exports flowing is facing challenges.
Shipping companies are increasingly opting out of a US military-guided transit scheme through the Strait of Hormuz, citing safety concerns amid a wave of attacks on vessels. According to maritime security and shipping industry sources, seven ships have been attacked since July 7, including three crude supertankers, one LNG tanker, and one container ship in Omani waters.
The US military had previously assisted in guiding tankers through the strait using aerial and water drones as well as helicopters. This initiative was successful in enabling the export of tens of millions of barrels of oil, helping to mitigate the impact on energy prices during a significant disruption in supplies. However, recent attacks have raised doubts about its effectiveness.
One shipping source stated that their company had chosen not to sail through the strait due to crew safety concerns and deteriorating security conditions. Torbjorn Solvedt, principal Middle East analyst with risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft, commented, 'Iran’s continued ability to target ships sailing through the Omani route means the Trump administration’s proposed solution is unlikely to work.'
The US defense official stated that in the past seven days, more than 100 vessels had directly coordinated with the US military to pass through the strait and over 300 had passed through the region more generally. This suggests that while the US-led efforts are working, volumes remain below pre-war levels.
Iran has escalated tensions by threatening to shut off regional energy exports after the US re-imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports. Tehran is signaling it may use its Houthi allies in Yemen to close the Bab el-Mandeb strait, which leads into the Red Sea, potentially opening a new front against Washington and putting two of the world’s most vital shipping arteries at risk.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges for global energy markets and international trade. As the conflict continues, the safety and reliability of maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz remain under scrutiny.
The US doesn’t seem to have any control over the situation.
Anonymous shipping source
'Iran’s continued ability to target ships sailing through the Omani route means the Trump administration’s proposed solution is unlikely to work.'
Torbjorn Solvedt, Principal Middle East analyst with Verisk Maplecroft
