US Cuts Tanker Air-Defense Coverage in Hormuz to Two Daily Time Slots

The U.S. naval coordination center notified maritime advisers that air-defense protection for tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz via the Omani-coast route has been reduced to two specific daily time slots, down from broader daytime coverage offered since May, according to emails cited by the Financial Times. The change follows increased Iranian attacks on vessels sailing at night.

Why this matters. Shipowners must now schedule Hormuz transits around narrower US-protected windows or sail without air cover, directly affecting tanker routing and insurance decisions for Gulf oil exports.