US military operates secret Strait of Hormuz oil corridor moving 10 million barrels daily

Secret southern shipping corridor

The United States military has established a discreet maritime shipping corridor along the southern coast of the Strait of Hormuz to maintain the flow of crude oil amid ongoing hostilities with Iran. Between 15 and 20 oil tankers pass through the waterway each night along the coast of Oman. The operation moves approximately 10 million barrels of crude oil per day toward international energy markets, representing about half of the volume transported prior to the conflict. On certain peak days, the transported volume reached between 15 and 20 million barrels. The initiative facilitates both loaded and empty vessels, guiding empty tankers from the Arabian Sea into the Persian Gulf to load oil at regional ports before escorting them back out to sea.

Military coordination and defensive operations

The naval escort operation is directed by a military task force stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, working in coordination with Middle Eastern regional partners. Officials organize convoys into distinct operational time windows, routing vessels through the southern corridor under specific military instructions. United States Air Force fighter aircraft provide continuous air cover over the convoys to defend against potential Iranian anti-ship strikes. The corridor was established following a two-week military campaign conducted by United States Central Command, which heavily damaged Iranian radar networks and coastal maritime surveillance systems. While Iran retains tracking capability through rebuilt radar units and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fast boats, United States forces reported shooting down eight Iranian drones and two cruise missiles within the past week alone.

Commercial shipping data and market impact

Data compiled by maritime analytics firm Kpler indicates that wider commercial traffic remains subdued due to safety concerns and threat perceptions. On Thursday, 20 August, only seven cargo vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz, consisting of four entering and three exiting the Persian Gulf. This followed 14 recorded crossings on Wednesday, six on Tuesday, and nine on Monday. No Very Large Crude Carriers or liquefied natural gas tankers crossed the corridor on Thursday, though one large vessel carrying propane and butane transited along the Iranian coastline. Some commercial operators continue to transit the strait with transponders deactivated.

Diplomatic impasse and political rhetoric

Negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled, with diplomatic talks described by United States leadership as unproductive. Iran closed the waterway following extensive military strikes against its territory, prompting a United States naval blockade of Iranian ports. During settlement talks, Tehran has demanded the authority to levy transit fees on commercial vessels passing through the strait. In public statements on Wednesday, United States President Donald Trump asserted that crude oil prices have fallen to $84 to $85 per barrel from previous projections of $350, arguing that pipeline construction has reduced the long-term importance of the passage.

Speaking to reporters regarding the security situation in the waterway, Trump emphasized the volume of energy currently moving through the passage.

The strait is open. Many ships are passing through it.

Trump also published a map of the passage on Truth Social labelled as new United States territory and stated he intends to proclaim the waterway American territory following the conflict. Assessing the opposing military forces, he downplayed Tehran's standing.

The Iranians still have fight left, but overall they are just a shadow of what they once were.