Conflicting Reports on Security in the Strait of Hormuz
Despite the US Central Command’s (CENTCOM) repeated claims that the Strait of Hormuz has been cleared of mines, maritime reports point to an increase in incidents in the waterway and a growing reluctance among some seafarers to continue operating in the area. At the same time, declining ship-to-ship oil transfers and reports of tanker explosions have raised further concerns about the ability to maintain safe navigation through the strait.
CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper has repeatedly stated that the Strait of Hormuz has been cleared of mines and that vessels can navigate through the waterway. Six days ago, he also shared a photograph of himself over the southern part of the strait, once again asserting that the passage was free of mines. These statements came after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy had released footage showing two supertankers exploding after hitting mines.
Fewer Incident Reports and Reduced Maritime Activity
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had previously reported that most vessels targeted in attacks were not reporting the incidents to the organization. Three days ago, the organization also reported that an oil tanker was on fire. However, the incident was reported not by the vessel’s own crew but by the captain of another ship. Some oil analysts have also suggested that the United States is pressuring vessels not to report maritime incidents.
Meanwhile, satellite analysis by Live AIS indicates a sharp decline in ship-to-ship oil transfer activity around Fujairah and Shinas. According to the platform, the current level of activity is significantly lower than in previous weeks.
Report Points to Failure of Oil Transfer Operations
The FHR Institute has also stated that the operation to transfer oil through the Strait of Hormuz has failed. Reduced ship-to-ship transfer activity and reports that some seafarers have decided to leave the area are among the developments cited in assessments of maritime transport conditions in the waterway.
Maritime Activity Declines Amid Concerns
Figures from the Washington Institute show that confirmed attacks on vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz reached their highest level in October, with at least 34 confirmed attacks recorded in the area. Taken together, these reports highlight the continuing gap between the US official assessment of security in the Strait of Hormuz and published accounts of maritime incidents and shipping activity.
Despite the ongoing concerns, CENTCOM continues to assert that the Strait of Hormuz is secure, with Cooper stating that “the strait remains open and safe for navigation.” However, as reports of incidents and declining maritime activity continue to emerge, it remains unclear whether the US assessment accurately reflects the current situation in the waterway.
Original Article: Concerns Grow Over Security of Strait of Hormuz Despite US Claims — Wanaen