The United States has reportedly arranged a secret southern shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz for oil tankers, Axios reported, citing US officials. The report, republished by Amar Desh Online on August 20, 2026, said 15 to 20 tankers have crossed the route each night in recent weeks. Officials said about 10 million barrels of crude oil are leaving the Gulf region daily, roughly half of pre-war normal exports.

US forces are reportedly assisting both loaded tankers leaving the Gulf and empty tankers travelling from the Arabian Sea to ports in Gulf countries. Ships are being moved in large convoys through the southern route on a fixed nightly schedule. The US Air Force is said to be protecting the vessels from Iranian drone and cruise missile attacks.

US officials said recent military operations had weakened Iran’s radar and maritime surveillance systems, enabling the corridor’s operation. They claimed US forces shot down eight Iranian drones and two cruise missiles this week. President Donald Trump said large volumes of oil were still passing through Hormuz and that no talks with Iran were underway.