Iran vows to disrupt US-UAE oil shuttle operating through the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei declared the US-UAE-assisted oil shuttle a specific target, stating Tehran has been hitting five to six vessels nightly for weeks. The shuttle relies on small craft that transfer crude to VLCCs under US Central Command guidance, often turning off transponders and sailing at night to avoid Iranian fire. Rezaei warned that, beyond ships, Iran could strike US-linked cables, data centres and AI facilities in the UAE and around the Strait.

He also accused Saudi Arabia of aiding the US in circumventing Iranian restrictions, though he stopped short of threatening Riyadh directly. The IRGC has previously threatened tankers in Kuwait and Bahrain and reported mine damage to three tankers. Analysts note the shuttle has reduced Iran’s leverage over Hormuz, prompting a surge in attacks that have driven freight costs sharply higher.