[78912] Report: US military quietly escorting dozens of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. is managing alternative shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz

According to a report by the 'New York Times', which was widely cited by various news channels on Telegram, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has been managing a quiet operation in recent weeks to move commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, about 70 commercial ships have passed through these routes during the last three weeks with American assistance.

Operation details and motives

American sources cited in Iran International noted that most of the ships disabled their GPS systems and transponders during the passage to avoid detection by Iran. According to the report, this is a move intended to allow ship owners to bypass the need to obtain permission from Tehran or pay transit fees in the area controlled by the Islamic Republic.

Identifying risks and their significance

While channels identified with criticism of Iran, such as Iran International and Al Arabiya Farsi, highlight the operation as a safe alternative, American officials were quoted in Akhbar-e Fori as believing that "the risks posed by Iran to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz are exaggerated". Conversely, channels such as Khabar-e Fori News emphasize that the continuation of activity under American sponsorship indicates that shipping companies are willing to accept the "risk of passing through dark routes".

According to estimates by analysts cited in Iran International, the routes being used are far from the Iranian coast and are located closer to the coasts of Oman, which allows for safer passage for the vessels.