Iranian security chief accuses Trump administration of oil smuggling in Hormuz
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei alleged that the Trump administration hired thugs to smuggle oil through the Strait of Hormuz, targeting them nightly.
Mohsen Rezaei said the United States, with the help of the UAE military and the commander of US Central Command, uses small boats to transfer oil to larger tankers despite Iran’s blockade. He claimed these operations occur in the coastal waters of Oman and are intercepted by Iranian forces each night. Rezaei contrasted this with President Trump’s public statements that the strait remains open.
Why it matters
The allegation heightens tensions over oil flow and security in a key global shipping lane.
How this story developed
- Sep 14 US claims Hormuz traffic improving as oil prices surge amid regional attacks
- Sep 21 Fire on the tanker was extinguished after the projectile strike.
- Sep 23 A cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile, igniting a fire and forcing crew evacuation.
- Sep 24 Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Gulf producers have rerouted oil through spare pipeline capacity and a U.S.-protected corridor, keeping global supply steady despite higher prices.
- Sep 29 Brent crude rose about 4% to just over $107 a barrel after Donald Trump’s contradictory statements and the US announced the final withdrawal of its forces from Iraq.
- Oct 2 The administration emphasized managing public expectations about a rapid settlement with Iran.
- Oct 3 A second tanker was hit east of Oman, adding to the earlier incident in the strait.
- Oct 5 The G7 announced a release of diesel and crude from emergency reserves.
- Oct 5 A U.S. naval blockade has caused a backlog of hundreds of trucks at the Gürbulak crossing, with waits up to five days.
- Oct 7 The number of reported tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz rose to at least nine this October.
- Oct 8 A tanker north of Qatar was hit by multiple projectiles, causing casualties.
- Oct 11 Iran announced it had attacked a NatWit‑owned tanker for using an unauthorised southern route.
In this story
IranTrumpoil smugglingStrait of HormuzUAE militaryUS Central CommandblockadeMohsen Rezaei
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