The United States has established a covert operation to keep oil shipments moving through the Strait of Hormuz, despite the continuing conflict with Iran, according to Axios. Two US officials told the publication that American forces are coordinating the movement of commercial tankers through the southern shipping lane close to Oman's coast.

The operation reportedly allows around 15 to 20 tankers to enter or leave the strait each night. The vessels carry crude from major Gulf producers, while empty tankers use the same route to enter the Gulf for fresh cargoes.

The reported arrangement has restored part of the energy traffic disrupted by the conflict. However, shipping remains far below normal levels, and the route continues to face significant military and commercial risks.

Tankers Use Southern Lane

According to the Axios report, US forces have effectively controlled the southern lane of the strait for about two months. The route runs close to Oman and has become the main channel for tankers operating with US coordination.

The vessels include tankers carrying crude from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. Empty ships also reportedly cross the route to reach Gulf terminals.

The development provides an alternative to a complete shutdown of commercial traffic, but it does not mean the Strait of Hormuz has returned to normal.

Oil Flows Remain Limited

US officials cited by Axios said millions of barrels of oil are moving through the corridor each day. The report puts the current flow at around 10 million barrels a day, roughly half the level before the conflict.

The figure is a US official estimate and has not been independently verified. Earlier this month, Axios reported that around 8 million barrels were moving through the southern lane each night under US coordination.

Independent shipping data indicates that overall traffic remains sharply depressed. Reuters reported on August 20 that only nine commodity vessels transited the strait on both Tuesday and Wednesday, although tracking systems may miss vessels operating with their transponders switched off.

US Campaign Hit Iranian Systems

The reported corridor became possible after a US military campaign targeted Iranian radar and maritime surveillance infrastructure around the waterway, according to Axios.

US officials said the strikes reduced Iran's ability to monitor commercial vessels moving through the southern route. Iranian forces still retain several surveillance and attack capabilities, including radar, fast boats, drones and other weapons.

That means the route remains dependent on the US military's ability to monitor threats and protect commercial shipping.

Hormuz Faces Military Risk

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important energy chokepoints. Any prolonged disruption can affect crude supplies, tanker rates, insurance costs and global oil prices.

Recent incidents have demonstrated those risks. Reuters reported that shipping slowed after tanker attacks, with only five commodity vessels crossing the strait on one recent Saturday compared with 31 during the previous weekend.

Two UAE-operated oil tankers were also attacked by drones on August 14 while travelling through the waterway, according to the Associated Press.

Iran Disputes US Claims

Iran has continued to challenge Washington's position on the waterway. Tehran has described the strait as closed amid the conflict, while US President Donald Trump has insisted that the passage remains open.

The conflicting claims underline the gap between military control, commercial access and normal shipping conditions.

The United States has also maintained a naval blockade against Iran. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington has the capability to sustain the blockade indefinitely as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

Oil Markets Watch Closely

The limited flow through Hormuz has not prevented oil from reaching international markets, but it has increased uncertainty over future supplies.

Reuters reported on August 19 that crude prices settled at their highest level in nearly four weeks as investors remained concerned about Middle East tensions and continued weakness in Hormuz shipping.

The International Energy Agency has also warned of a significant global supply shortfall linked to disruptions in the region. Its August assessment projected a 4.3-million-barrel-per-day decline in global oil supply for 2026.

What Happens Next

The US is expected to continue supporting selected commercial traffic through the southern lane while negotiations with Iran remain uncertain. The reported operation could provide temporary relief to Gulf oil producers and international buyers, but it does not resolve the wider security crisis.

For India, which relies heavily on imported crude, prolonged disruption could affect freight costs, refinery economics and domestic fuel prices. The future of the Strait of Hormuz will therefore remain closely watched by governments, shipping companies and global energy markets.