US establishes covert shipping corridor through Strait of Hormuz amid Iran tensions

The United States has established a covert shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran persist, according to reports from the region. Between 15 and 20 oil tankers are reportedly transiting the route under cover of darkness each night, facilitating the movement of approximately 10 million barrels of crude oil daily to international markets.

The clandestine arrangement underscores the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-third of the world's seaborne oil trade flows. The waterway has become increasingly contested as US-Iran tensions escalate, with concerns over potential Iranian attacks on commercial shipping using unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles.

American fighter aircraft have been deployed to provide air cover for merchant vessels navigating the passage, protecting them from potential threats in the region. The initiative reflects Washington's commitment to maintaining stability in one of the world's most critical chokepoints for global energy supplies.

The development highlights the vulnerability of international shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf region and the broader implications for global energy security. Oil markets remain sensitive to any disruptions in Hormuz traffic, given its role in connecting major crude producers to worldwide consumers.