US is secretly assisting ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz

Most of the vessels turned off their transponders to avoid detection while transiting the narrow waterway, according to The New York Times.

Sources did not disclose which vessels were transiting or what route they were taking, but one noted that at least one route did not pass near the Iranian coast.

Vessels transiting near Iran without Iranian permission are exposed to the almost certain threat of attack by Iranian drones or missiles.

Vessels under US surveillance appear to be using routes closer to Oman.

Before the US-Israeli attacks on Iran in late February, well over 100 commercial vessels were transiting the strait daily. Therefore, the US-coordinated transits—an average of three per day for three weeks—do not represent a significant resumption of shipping.

Vessels transiting under US supervision still risk attack by Iran.

US officials claim the Iranian threat is exaggerated and are attempting to advise vessels seeking passage on safe passage to the other side of the strait.

While this assistance is known in shipping circles, US officials admit they have not publicized it widely to avoid Iranian attacks on vessels transiting under US control.

Photo: exclusive.kz.