US military aided over 70 ships in 'dark voyages' through Hormuz Strait

The U.S. military has facilitated the passage of more than 70 merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz over the past three weeks, according to reports citing anonymous U.S. officials. This assistance comes amid a stalemate in negotiations between the United States and Iran, highlighting ongoing tensions in the critical waterway.

Many of the vessels reportedly employed a strategy known as "dark voyages," disabling their navigation lights and transponders to evade detection. These ships often used routes closer to Omani waters to enhance their security. U.S. officials indicated that this information was not publicly disclosed to prevent potential attacks on the ships.

While the number of daily transits, averaging about three ships per day during this period, is a fraction of the pre-conflict volume of 130-140 ships daily, U.S. military representatives stated they are continuously communicating and cooperating with merchant vessels seeking safe passage. A spokesperson for the U.S. Central Command confirmed that while the military is not conducting escort missions, it is engaged in dialogue to ensure the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a vital international transit route.

This operation follows the brief announcement and subsequent termination of "Project Freedom," a large-scale military operation intended to support ships transiting the strait, which was reportedly halted due to objections from Saudi Arabia. Since then, the U.S. military has encouraged passage but has not provided direct maritime escort.

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While the U.S. military is not conducting escort missions, we are continuously communicating and cooperating with merchant vessels seeking free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, an international waterway.