Sailors skeptical of US promise for safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz: 'F- off'

Key Points:

• Seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz responded with hostility to US military offers of safe passage amid ongoing tensions and attacks by Iran, with one sailor explicitly telling US forces to "f–k off" over marine radio.
• The US military has directed ships to use the Omani section of the strait under its protection as part of an American blockade on Iran’s ports, but most vessels are avoiding this route, instead choosing Iran-approved channels or shadow fleet tactics.
• Despite US claims of protecting freedom of navigation, only a small fraction of ships have used the US-backed route, with many opting for Tehran-approved passages amid fears of attacks, following recent deadly strikes on commercial vessels attributed to Iran.
• Experts warn that fully securing the Strait of Hormuz would require significantly more military force than currently deployed, with current US capabilities insufficient to control the strategic waterway amid escalating conflict.
• The ongoing tensions have contributed to sustained high oil prices, with Brent crude above $84 per barrel and US gasoline prices rising to an average of $3.94 per gallon, reflecting broader economic impacts of the conflict.