Ship-to-ship oil transfers have increased in the Gulf of Oman as vessels seek alternative ways to move fuel while avoiding the Strait of Hormuz. TankerTrackers.com, a ship-monitoring firm, said it recorded at least 20 such transfers in the area, making it one of the busiest days for ship-to-ship, or STS, activity there.

STS transfers involve moving oil or fuel products directly from one vessel to another at sea. The method can be used to conceal a cargo’s origin, avoid sanctions, or transport goods without calling at risky ports. TankerTrackers.com said in a post on X that it had identified the movement of about 25 million barrels of crude oil, along with various refined fuel products.

The firm said the cargoes initially came from nearly every country in the region except Iran. It later identified five additional STS transfers, including one involving Iranian liquefied petroleum gas. Rising tension around the Strait of Hormuz is making the Gulf of Oman an important hub for such transfers as vessels try to reduce reliance on the strait.

Gulf countries are calling for a rapid and positive resolution to the ongoing US war involving Iran, amid fears that the conflict could move toward a stalemate. An Al Jazeera report published on August 4, 2026 said regional states worry that a prolonged war could spread its effects across the wider Gulf and beyond. They view a quick end to the fighting as necessary for regional security and stability as well as for their own citizens' interests.

Al Jazeera correspondent Rosiland Jordan, reporting from Washington, said the US president has made at least three or four statements since the war began in late February that many interpreted as ultimatums. Tensions rose further when the president said Iran's leadership was not acting honestly or treating the matter seriously. Harsh language was also used suggesting that “hell and destruction” could descend on Iran's people.

Despite the threatening rhetoric, channels of contact between US and Iranian officials have not been completely closed. People involved can still communicate with officials from both countries and are seeking ways to reduce tensions. Jordan said it is too early to determine whether the situation resembles previous events or where it will ultimately lead.

Ongoing warfare in the Gulf region has triggered a major shift in the long-term defense strategies of its nations. Ahmed Helal, managing director for GCC affairs at Asia Group, described the transformation as a strategic inevitability. He told Al Jazeera that Qatar is no longer acting as a traditional mediator because it has itself come under attack and sought external intervention. The region’s immediate focus is now on reducing hostilities and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

To strengthen defense capabilities, Gulf countries are actively pursuing new security partnerships. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently visited Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, resulting in several agreements on drone defense technology and combat experience sharing. According to Helal, the Gulf defense market is now open to all—from Washington to Seoul—as these nations seek to diversify their military suppliers.

The United Arab Emirates is already using South Korean interceptor technology, considered more cost-effective and competitive than the U.S. Patriot system. This diversification marks a decisive move away from reliance on any single power for regional security.

Multiple Gulf countries experienced a series of attacks over the past 24 hours, targeting critical infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates faced its heaviest missile strikes in recent weeks, with Emirates Global Aluminium reporting severe damage to its main plant in Abu Dhabi and several workers injured. Aluminium Bahrain, one of the world’s largest aluminium producers, was also hit, while Kuwait International Airport’s radar system suffered serious damage.

The attacks have raised concerns about economic stability and daily life across the Gulf region. In response, Gulf states have emphasized the importance of ensuring their participation in any future peace negotiations to safeguard regional interests.

However, the source notes that differences remain among these countries regarding their next steps and how to manage relations with Iran and the United States amid the escalating tensions.

Several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, have imposed strict restrictions on posting videos of Iranian missile and drone attacks that have targeted U.S. military bases and other sites in the region. Hundreds of people have reportedly been arrested since the conflict began, many for sharing footage or images of the explosions. Authorities in some states have accused individuals of glorifying the attacks or spreading content deemed threatening to national security.

Sultan Al-Amer, a fellow at the Washington-based Middle East Policy Council, said the crackdown serves multiple purposes. He noted that Iranian intelligence could use such videos to identify air defense systems and improve strike accuracy, while Gulf governments aim to protect the image of their cities as secure and prosperous. The UAE, in particular, has long promoted itself as a safe destination for investors and tourists.

UAE media chief Abdullah Al-Hamed warned that a single image could spread panic or misinformation. The report also noted that the U.S. government has exerted pressure on its own media since the start of the Iran-related military operations.

Security concerns have intensified across the Gulf region as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates reportedly face dwindling interceptor missile stocks while countering potential or ongoing Iranian missile and drone attacks. Defense analysts say the heavy use of air defense systems has rapidly reduced available interceptors, which are costly and slow to replace, raising fears of supply shortages during prolonged conflict.

Both Qatar and the UAE have long relied on U.S.-made air defense systems and maintain close defense ties with Washington as part of regional security cooperation. The recent escalation of tensions with Iran has led these nations to strengthen their defense readiness. Analysts note that Iran’s combined use of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones has placed significant pressure on opposing air defense networks.

Diplomatic circles are reportedly discussing whether Gulf states might urge Washington to take stronger action against Iran or push for a swift diplomatic resolution. Experts warn that a prolonged conflict could disrupt regional security balance and further strain U.S. military supply chains.