A Reuters investigation revealed that the U.S. military has overseen at least 116 ships in secretive ship-to-ship oil transfers off the coasts of Fujairah (UAE) and Sohar (Oman) since early May to keep Gulf energy exports flowing despite the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The operation employs staggered departures, switched-off transponders, dimmed lights, and U.S. military aerial surveillance using drones and helicopters. Reuters calculated at least 90 million barrels may have moved through the offshore network, though this remains small compared to the pre-war daily average of 20 million barrels. The technique mirrors methods Iran used for years to evade sanctions. Council on Foreign Relations president Michael Froman noted the irony of the U.S. adopting tactics pioneered by China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran's dark fleets. ADNOC and Kuwait Oil Tanker Company were identified as among the most active participants.
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