According to a report by Times of Israel on Saturday September 12, 2026, the United States has reportedly reduced the number of daily time periods during which it provides air defense protection to oil tankers travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Financial Times.
The newspaper cited emails circulated by the US Maritime Coordination Center, which indicated that American authorities have now limited air defense coverage to two windows each day for vessels passing through the strategic waterway.
Since May, Washington has provided air defense support for commercial ships using a designated route close to the coast of Oman.
The measure was introduced as tensions increased and concerns grew over the safety of vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil supplies.
However, the Financial Times reported that the protection periods were reduced at the beginning of September. The change reportedly followed an increase in Iranian attacks against ships travelling through the strait during nighttime hours.
Under the revised arrangement, vessels are reportedly encouraged to plan their passage through the waterway during the designated air defense periods. However, the guidance is not compulsory, meaning ships are still permitted to transit the strait outside the protected windows.
The reduction in coverage comes amid continued tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, where military activity and attacks on commercial shipping have raised concerns about the security of one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
The waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea, making it a vital passage for oil and other energy shipments from major producers in the region.
Iran imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz early in the war that began on February 28, further complicating efforts by commercial vessels to safely navigate the area.
The latest US decision to restrict air defense support to two daily periods could increase pressure on shipping operators to carefully coordinate their movements.
At the same time, the advisory nature of the schedule allows individual vessels to determine whether to travel during the protected periods or proceed at other times, despite the security risks associated with nighttime transit.
SOURCE: Nitechnews247