Hormuz showdown: 40 tankers move under US military protection as Iran launches dronesLast updated: September 03, 2026 | 03:402 MIN READCentCom forces enforce the blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas. The US military continues to support traffic flow through regional waters for all vessels not violating the blockade.CentcomThe US military escorted up to 40 commercial vessels carrying about 18 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday (September 1) — representing roughly 90% of a normal prewar day’s oil flow.It also marked the highest one-day wartime peak of crude oil passage since the Iran-US war erupted more than six months ago, officials said.Two US officials familiar with the mission told CNN that the escort was carried out as the US military and Iran exchanged a new round of strikes, highlighting the risks facing one of the world’s most important energy corridors.Get it: Fast, verified news for FREE ... download the Gulf News app — simply click here US forces used air, naval and space-based assets to protect the vessels while targeting Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping. The military also defended against "waves" of Iranian drones during the escort, the officials said. Ships switched off transponders