Iran Tightens Grip on Strait of Hormuz Oil Transfers

Iran has increased its surveillance and actions targeting ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfers in the Strait of Hormuz, a method that has become one of the few remaining options for moving oil shipments amid restrictions on maritime traffic. According to MarineHelm, a maritime data analysis platform, Iran has acquired new capabilities to detect STS transfers allegedly carried out under U.S. protection.

The report added that ship-to-ship transfers are now under Iran's monitoring and control. Secure STS transfers in the Strait of Hormuz are currently being carried out by Iranian vessels, as reported by TankerTrackers.

The Strait of Hormuz is fully under the control of Iran's armed forces, with vessels required to obtain necessary authorization from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy before passing through. Unauthorized passage would face an immediate response from Iran's armed forces.