Key facts
- The U.S. military is using Iran's ship-to-ship oil transfer tactics to maintain Gulf energy exports.
- The operation involves aerial and water drones, helicopters, and convoys of tankers.
- Two transfer locations have been identified: off Fujairah, UAE, and near Sohar, Oman.
- At least 116 ships have participated in these transfers since early May.
- Approximately 90 million barrels of oil and petroleum products have been moved through this network.
- The U.S. military controls the operation, which includes tankers disabling transponders and dimming lights.
The United States military has adopted tactics previously used by Iran to conduct secretive ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Gulf, aiming to maintain energy exports amidst sanctions and regional tensions. This operation, which began in early May, utilizes drones, helicopters, and a shuttling technique to move crude oil and petroleum products.
Two primary locations for these transfers have been identified: off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates and near Oman's port of Sohar. Since the operation commenced, at least 116 ships have been involved, facilitating the movement of an estimated 90 million barrels of oil. The U.S. military controls these operations, with participating tankers often disabling their transponders and dimming their lights to enhance secrecy.
The technique mirrors Iran's long-standing practice of evading sanctions by masking the origin of its oil exports. However, the U.S.-led operation involves mass transfers, offering Gulf producers greater protection from potential Iranian retaliatory attacks. The transfers themselves can take between 24 and 40 hours to complete.
An Apache helicopter, which was downed by Iran on June 9, was reportedly involved in the mission, though U.S. defense officials have stated that no Central Command forces are participating in offshore ship-to-ship oil transfers. The Iranian government has not responded to requests for comment.