Seafarers navigating the Strait of Hormuz have expressed defiance towards U.S. forces, delivering an expletive-laden rejection of an offer for safe passage. The incident occurred as the U.S. military insisted the strait remained open for navigation, even as Iran continued to attack vessels attempting to cross without its authorization.
During an exchange over marine radio, one sailor was heard telling U.S. forces to "F--k off" after the military had directed ships toward the Omani section of the strait under American protection. U.S. forces stated their readiness to "maintain freedom of navigation and safeguard lawful commerce in accordance with international law," adding that "the southern route of the strait remains open."
Despite U.S. actions, including a blockade on Iran's ports that took effect Tuesday, Iran has continued to fire warning shots and conduct strikes on ships. Data from maritime firm Kpler indicated that on the first day of the blockade, out of 21 ships transiting the strait, none utilized the U.S.-backed route near Oman. Instead, 17 ships opted for Iran's approved channel, one used a route approved by the International Maritime Organization, and three employed tactics to sail unseen.
The following day, 13 ships passed through, with only one, the Comoros-flagged Hero SD bulk carrier, using the Omani route. Ten of these vessels, half of which are reportedly sanctioned due to ties with Iran's oil exports, traveled through the Tehran-approved route.
Maritime experts have previously cautioned that many ships avoid the Strait of Hormuz under wartime conditions, particularly following recent Iranian attacks. The U.S. has reported that Iran attacked seven commercial ships in the preceding week, resulting in casualties and missing crew members.
While U.S. forces have previously provided cover for ships, with over 70 vessels transiting under protection during an earlier conflict, this number remains significantly lower than the more than 130 ships that typically crossed the strait daily before the hostilities. Analysts suggest that fully securing the Strait of Hormuz would require a greater military commitment than currently deployed.
The ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have had an impact on oil prices. Brent crude oil remained above $84 per barrel, a 22% increase from the previous year, and the average price of gas in the U.S. rose to $3.94 per gallon, up approximately 10 cents from the week prior.