How the US and Middle East allies flipped the oil script on Iran - CNN
US-backed oil tankers are using 'dark' transit tactics, turning off transponders to bypass Iranian drone threats in the Strait of Hormuz. This clandestine strategy has successfully maintained high oil export volumes despite regional tensions.
Why it matters
This reveals a significant shift in maritime security and energy logistics, highlighting how the US and Middle Eastern allies are circumventing Iranian influence to stabilize global oil markets.
On the afternoon of July 25, the Greek-owned supertanker Kiku docked at Qatar’s Mesaieed oil export terminal, a massive, 30-berth port on the country’s west coast, 25 miles south of Doha. Four days later, loaded with crude oil, the Kiku passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The Very Large Crude Carrier – the largest oil tanker class, stretching over 1,000 feet – maintained a steady pace of 13 knots across the Persian Gulf, near its top speed. Then, on July 31, shortly after 2 pm just off the coast of Dubai, the Kiku vanished. The vessel had switched off its AIS transponder, a marine radio device that broadcasts a ship’s identity, speed, course and position. To tracking services that monitor worldwide maritime traffic, it was as if the Kiku simply disappeared.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in