Shipping companies are avoiding a US military-guided transit route through the Strait of Hormuz to avoid Iranian attacks on commercial vessels. The vessels opted for this strategy after heightened security concerns amid Iranian attacks on shipping lines.
For decades, ships have navigated the Strait of Hormuz using the Traffic Separation Scheme established by the International Maritime Organization in 1968. However, Iranian forces reportedly mined parts of the route after the conflict with the United States began on February 28. Consequently, vessels shifted to temporary routes closer to the Iranian and Omani coastlines.
In June, Reuters reported that the US military launched an operation to help commercial ships safely pass through the strategic waterway. The mission used helicopters, drones, and other surveillance assets to guide tankers while supporting Gulf energy exports during the disruption.
The initiative enabled the movement of tens of millions of barrels of oil and helped reduce pressure on global energy prices. Nevertheless, recent attacks have raised fresh doubts about the safety of the alternative route.
According to shipping industry sources, several companies now consider the Omani-side corridor increasingly risky. Furthermore, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility on Tuesday for attacks on two Emirati oil supertankers.
Since July 7, five commercial vessels have reportedly come under attack in Omani waters. The incidents involved three crude oil supertankers, one liquefied natural gas carrier, and one container ship. However, it remains unclear whether every vessel was travelling under the US-guided transit arrangement.
One shipping industry source said his company had suspended voyages through the Strait of Hormuz because crew safety had become the highest priority. He added that the worsening security situation had made the route too dangerous.
Meanwhile, Torbjorn Solvedt, principal Middle East analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, said Iran’s ability to strike vessels near the Omani route raised questions about the effectiveness of the US security plan.
Despite the attacks, White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said the Strait of Hormuz remains open and oil shipments continue. She also accused Iran of targeting commercial vessels, while stating that the United States would continue responding to such attacks.
