The U.S. has been quietly overseeing a large offshore oil-transfer network to keep Gulf exports moving despite Iran's disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Since early May, tankers have been transferring oil to larger vessels at sea near Fujairah in the UAE and Sohar in Oman, allowing cargo to continue reaching global markets. The operation uses methods similar to those Iran has historically employed to bypass sanctions, including ship-to-ship transfers, sailing with tracking systems turned off, and moving in tightly managed convoys monitored by drones, helicopters, and other surveillance assets. More than 90 ships have reportedly participated, moving an estimated 90 million barrels of oil and petroleum products. An Apache helicopter shot down by Iran on June 9 was said to be involved in the mission, though its exact role remains unclear. Source: Reuters