Commercial shipping companies are increasingly opting out of US military-guided transit through the Strait of Hormuz, citing heightened security risks and serious concerns for crew safety. This shift comes in response to a recent wave of Iranian attacks on commercial vessels operating in the critical waterway, which is vital for global energy exports.
Escalating Security Concerns
Since the Iran war began on February 28, Iranian forces have reportedly mined areas within the Strait, compelling vessels to abandon the long-established Traffic Separation Scheme. This 1968 UN-mandated system previously directed ships through designated lanes in the strait's middle. Now, ships are forced to use makeshift routes closer to either the Iranian or Omani coasts, where recent attacks have occurred.
Data from the UN's shipping agency indicates at least five vessels have been attacked in Omani waters since July 7, 2026. These include three crude oil supertankers, one liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, and one container ship. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have claimed responsibility for attacks on two Emirati oil supertankers. One shipping industry source noted a perceived lack of control by the US over the situation, leading their company to cease sending ships through the strait due to worsening security conditions.
US Military's Role and Challenges
Last month, the US military initiated an operation involving aerial and maritime drones, helicopters, and ship-to-ship coordination to assist commercial vessels traversing the Strait. This initiative aimed to maintain the flow of Gulf energy exports, successfully enabling the movement of millions of barrels of oil and mitigating impacts on global energy prices.
Despite these efforts, shipping companies are now reconsidering the Omani route—the very path utilized under the US-assisted scheme—following the recent attacks. A US defense official confirmed that over 100 vessels had coordinated directly with the US military for transit in the past week, with more than 300 passing through the wider region. This suggests the operation remains active, though traffic volumes are still below pre-war levels.
International Response and Advisories
White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales condemned Iran's actions as "acts of international terrorism" against commercial shipping, asserting that the United States is responding forcefully and that the Strait of Hormuz remains open. However, uncertainty persists regarding the safety of Strait of Hormuz transit security. Nine Greek-operated LNG tankers that entered the Gulf via Hormuz in the past week are reportedly stranded inside the strait, and two additional tankers have been attacked in open waters outside the strait since July 7.
Maritime security sources have expressed concerns that the US military has not provided sufficient clarity regarding the risks associated with the Omani route. Consequently, Greek maritime security firms Diaplous and MARISKS have advised shipping companies to either pause voyages or warned that an acceptable level of safety for Strait of Hormuz transits cannot currently be assured.