Ship-to-Ship Oil Transfers in Gulf of Oman Slow Amid Iranian Vessel Attacks
Oil transfers between tankers in the Gulf of Oman have slowed significantly following a series of attacks on vessels by Iranian forces. Satellite imagery and maritime sources indicate a reduction in ship-to-ship (STS) transfers, a method used to facilitate oil exports from the Gulf despite threats to commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military has been assisting with these transfers to maintain Gulf energy exports, employing drones and helicopters to guide tankers. However, recent satellite data shows a decrease in STS activity, with only one pair of tankers involved in such transfers as of July 18, compared to three pairs a week earlier. The U.S. Energy Secretary has assured continued traffic through the strait, despite Iranian threats and attacks. 
