International Desk //

File photo. A massive fuel convoy is making its way toward its destination across the turbulent Middle East. Several colossal tankers, carrying approximately 7 million barrels of oil and gas, are transiting the Strait of Hormuz under tight US military security.

TankerTrackers.com, an organization that monitors international waterways, confirmed this positive development on Saturday (September 5). Simultaneously, increased commercial shipping activity is being observed in the Gulf of Oman.

A rare scene unfolded in the Gulf of Oman on Friday, involving the movement and transfer of oil and gas among 17 large vessels. In total, approximately 24 million barrels of fuel were involved in these transfer operations. After a long period of stagnation due to military tensions, this maritime activity signals a positive shift toward the resumption of trade.

Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that it has made strenuous efforts to secure this vital maritime route. US forces successfully recovered and neutralized 11 confirmed naval mines from among more than 200 hazardous, mine-like objects scattered across the waterway.

CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper announced that this international commercial route is now completely free of Iranian mines, allowing commercial vessels to resume unhindered passage.

However, the fear stemming from the recent flare-up of conflict in the region has not entirely dissipated. Consequently, while trade has resumed, it has not yet returned to its normal pace.

Data from the firm ‘Kpler’ indicates that only four large cargo vessels managed to transit the Strait of Hormuz on September 1. In contrast, the 10-day average typically sees at least 13 vessels passing through this route daily.

Earlier this week, the situation involving the US and its Middle East bases saw a critical escalation into bloody conflict. In this most severe confrontation since July, Tehran retaliated against US military strikes by launching missiles and drones at US military bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq.

Despite the region remaining a military flashpoint, the resumption of large-scale fuel tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—under the protection of US forces—comes as a major relief for global markets and the economy.

Source: Shafaq News.

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