Tensions in the Persian Gulf continue to escalate as reports suggest that Iran has been moving oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz using covert methods, even before the United States announced the reinstatement of restrictions on Iranian maritime trade.
According to a Bloomberg report, at least six US-sanctioned supertankers and several other vessels linked to Iran reportedly crossed the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman over the past week with their tracking transponders switched off. The reported movements came shortly after Washington revoked temporary permission for Tehran to continue selling its oil on July 7.
Ship-tracking data also indicated a sharp decline in maritime traffic through the strategic waterway on Tuesday. While a bulk carrier was reportedly heading toward Sharjah and two liquefied petroleum gas carriers were exiting the Persian Gulf, analysts believe additional vessels may also have been transiting the strait with their tracking systems disabled.
The reported “dark transits” come amid renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran, with both sides targeting maritime assets and military infrastructure in the region.
The growing uncertainty has also rattled global energy markets. International crude oil prices climbed nearly three percent on Tuesday, reaching their highest level in almost four weeks. Brent crude futures rose to around $85 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude traded above $80 per barrel after both benchmarks recorded sharp gains in the previous trading session.
Market analysts say the latest surge reflects increasing concerns over the security of oil supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
The escalation follows the US military’s third consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets. US President Donald Trump has also announced the reinstatement of a blockade on Iranian shipping and proposed imposing a 20 percent security fee on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the charge would help fund operations to safeguard the vital shipping route.
With diplomatic efforts once again under strain, the renewed confrontation between Washington and Tehran is raising fresh concerns over regional stability, global oil supplies and the possibility of further escalation in the Gulf.
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