US Military Establishes Secret Oil Route in Gulf of Oman

The US military has established a secret oil route in the Gulf of Oman to circumvent the Iranian blockade, allowing American forces to smuggle millions of barrels of crude oil through the region. This operation, which started in mid-August 2026, involves guiding empty tankers into the Persian Gulf where they load oil at transshipment terminals, and then escorting the now-full tankers back out to sea with US warships and fighter jets providing protection.

The route is part of a larger military effort that has seen the US disable or severely damage Iranian radar and maritime surveillance systems, as well as numerous Revolutionary Guard speedboats. This has left Iran operating largely blind, allowing the US to maintain control over the southern route along the Omani coast.

While this operation represents a significant success for the US military, it's not without risks. Iran still possesses significant offensive capabilities, and just last week intercepted eight drones and two cruise missiles fired at shipping in the region.

The US is using this development to boost its domestic political profile, with President Trump hailing the oil flow as a historic victory. However, this rhetoric belies a more complex reality: despite the opening of the corridor, oil prices have risen significantly again, driven by ongoing supply chain disruptions and uncertainty in the region.