Lead

Recent reports have shed light on the US military's role in facilitating maritime traffic and oil transfers near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies, amid ongoing tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran.

According to The New York Times, as cited by the Russian state news agency TASS, the US military helped coordinate the passage of more than 100 commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz last month. A previous NYT report, also cited by TASS, stated that US Central Command (CENTCOM) assisted the passage of 70 ships, with the majority switching off their transponders.

Separately, a Reuters investigation detailed a covert operation involving ship-to-ship oil transfers conducted under US military oversight, with at least 92 ships involved since early May. The operation aims to maintain Gulf energy exports despite Iranian threats to close the strait to vessels associated with the US and its allies.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of these events varies between outlets. TASS, citing The New York Times, focuses on the coordination of vessel passages through the strait, emphasizing the dangerous conditions and the broader context of the US-Israeli military operation against Iran that began on February 28. The NYT's reporting, as relayed by TASS, initially highlighted CENTCOM's assistance to 70 ships, later revised to over 100 vessels.

Reuters provides a more detailed investigation into the ship-to-ship transfer operation, identifying specific locations off the coast of Fujairah in the UAE and Oman's port of Sohar, and noting the use of drones and helicopters. Reuters also reported on the downing of an Apache helicopter on June 9, which was involved in the mission, and the subsequent US retaliatory strikes.

The Jerusalem Post, in its coverage, emphasizes the operation as a "US-led" effort to bypass an "Iranian blockade," framing it as a creative solution to maintain oil flows. The tone is informative, though the language includes terms like "secretive" and "blockade," which carry certain connotations.

Key Claims

  • The US military provided support to about 70 ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz over three weeks, according to The New York Times, as cited by TASS.
  • The number of assisted vessels was later reported as over 100 by the same newspaper, again cited by TASS.
  • Most ships turned off their transponders while crossing the strait, as reported by multiple sources.
  • Reuters reported that the US military oversaw secretive ship-to-ship oil transfers involving at least 92 ships since early May, using aerial and water drones and helicopters.
  • The transfers took place off the coast of Fujairah in the UAE and off Oman's port of Sohar, according to shipping data and satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters.
  • On June 9, an Apache helicopter involved in the mission was downed by Iran, leading to US retaliatory bombings, as reported by Reuters.
  • The US and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28, and Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and US bases in several countries, as reported by TASS.

Perspectives

US Military and Administration Perspective

US officials, speaking anonymously to The New York Times, acknowledged the coordination of vessel passages and the ship-to-ship transfer operation, emphasizing its role in maintaining energy exports. However, a US defense official denied that CENTCOM forces were taking part in the offshore oil transfer operation, and the White House referred questions to CENTCOM.

Iranian Perspective

Iran has not officially commented on the reported transfer operation, but has closed the Strait of Hormuz to ships associated with the US, Israel, and countries that supported the aggression against Iran, as reported by TASS. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a large-scale retaliatory operation following the US-Israeli strikes.

Media and Expert Perspective

Media analysis, particularly from the Jerusalem Post, frames the operation as a necessary and creative response to Iranian threats, using the term "blockade" to describe Iran's actions. This perspective highlights the strategic importance of maintaining oil flows in the region despite geopolitical tensions.