Exclusive: The U.S. is using an Iranian smuggling tactic to sneak oil out of the Gulf

• Operation uses two transfer locations off Fujairah (UAE) and Sohar (Oman), with tankers spaced 3,000-4,000 meters apart sailing 'dark' with transponders disabled to avoid Iranian detection
• At least 92 ships have transferred approximately 90 million barrels since early May, though this remains small compared to pre-war flows of 20 million barrels daily through the strait
• Gulf state oil companies including UAE's ADNOC and Kuwait Oil Tanker Company are active participants, with Greek shipper Dynacom among international operators receiving the transferred oil

Market Summary: U.S. Conducts Covert Oil Transfer Operations in Gulf

Key Development: The U.S. military has orchestrated a large-scale, secretive ship-to-ship oil transfer operation in the Gulf of Oman since early May 2026 to circumvent Iran's effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil consumption normally flows.

Operational Details:

• At least 92 ships have participated in the transfers at two locations: off Fujairah (UAE) and Sohar (Oman)
• As of June 11, 17 pairs of ships were conducting simultaneous transfers
• Approximately 90 million barrels of crude and petroleum products have moved through this network since early May—still significantly below pre-blockade levels of 20 million barrels daily
• Tankers operate with disabled transponders, dimmed lights, and maintain 3,000-4,000 meter spacing

Critical Incident: An Apache helicopter shot down by Iran on June 9 was involved in this mission, according to multiple sources. Six pairs of tankers were operating off Sohar that day. Both crew members were rescued.

Key Participants:

• UAE's state oil company ADNOC and Kuwait Oil Tanker Company are heavily involved
• Greek shipper Dynacom Tankers Management operates on the receiving side
• International tanker operators transfer oil to Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) in 24-40 hour operations

Market Implications:

The blockade has created the "largest supply shock in history," spurring global inflation. President Trump announced a Strait reopening deal for June (Friday), though details remain unclear. This risky, inefficient workaround ironically mirrors "dark fleet" tactics previously used by Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea to evade sanctions. The operation faces ongoing risks from Iranian drone and missile attacks.