U.S. escorts 40 commercial vessels carrying 18 million barrels of oil through Strait of Hormuz amid Iran conflict

The U.S. military provided protection for 40 commercial vessels carrying a combined 18 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, amid an exchange of military offensives between the United States and Iran, according to reports.

CNN, citing two U.S. officials familiar with the operations, reported that the movement represented the largest volume of crude oil transported through the strategic waterway since the start of the armed conflict.

The United States deployed air, naval and space-based resources to ensure the commercial fleet could pass safely. The forces repelled drone attacks and neutralized anti-ship cruise missiles launched at the vessels during their transit.

At the same time, U.S. forces carried out offensive strikes against nearly 60 Iranian military targets near the strategic passage. The operations hit air defense systems, radars, naval assets, maritime mining capabilities and communications centers.

Strategy in the Strait and naval blockade

The U.S. Central Command’s current military strategy prioritizes neutralizing threats around the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian export ports, according to EFE.

Other objectives declared by President Donald Trump’s administration, including operations against Iran’s nuclear program, have been temporarily postponed, CNN reported.

U.S. offensive operations in the area are expected to continue to limit the Iranian military’s ability to rebuild its capabilities.

Impact on global energy traffic

The amount of oil protected during the operation approaches the nearly 20 million barrels of oil that passed through the Strait of Hormuz every day before the hostilities began, according to the report. The conflict started a little more than six months ago.

Despite the outcome of the latest escort mission, U.S. military authorities do not expect an immediate resolution to the confrontation. Energy companies, meanwhile, remain cautious about sending vessels into the area because of the risks that continue to affect maritime traffic through the strategic route.