The Iran & Oman page is a high-traffic "Intelligence" asset. In the 2026 maritime landscape, this region has become the global center for Shadow Fleet activity and Advanced AIS Spoofing.

This page demonstrates that your brokerage uses predictive behavior analysis to protect clients from the record-breaking surge in Dark STS (Ship-to-Ship) transfers observed in February 2026.

Iran & Oman: STS Tracking & Persian Gulf Risk

Real-Time Behavioral Analysis in the World’s Primary "Shadow Fleet" Corridor.

As of February 2026, the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz have become the highest-friction maritime zones globally. Following the restart of indirect nuclear talks in Oman and the U.S. "Operation Midnight Hammer" strikes in 2025, the Iranian "Ghost Armada" has evolved. Our intelligence desk tracks the industrial-scale deception occurring in the Sohar, Duqm, and Fujairah anchorages to ensure your cargo never touches a sanctioned network.

1. The February 2026 Security Landscape

Operating in the Persian Gulf now requires adherence to the latest MARAD Advisory 2026-001.

  • Illegal Boarding Risks: As recently as February 3, 2026, Iranian forces have attempted to board U.S.-flagged tankers and force them into territorial waters using fast boats and drones.

  • The "Oman Buffer": For eastbound transits, we mandate a "Safe-Track" protocol that keeps vessels as close to Omani territorial waters as possible, avoiding the high-risk Iranian side of the Strait.

  • Military Coordination: Our desk maintains a 24/7 link with NAVCENT and UKMTO to provide real-time threat updates for every vessel under our fix.

2. Advanced STS & "Origin Masking" Detection

In 2026, simple AIS monitoring is insufficient. Dark STS transfers surged by 129% over the last year, with the Gulf of Oman serving as the primary "blending" hub for Russian and Iranian crude.

Our "Forensic" Vetting Includes:

  • SAR Imagery Verification: We use Synthetic Aperture Radar to see through "Dark Periods." Even if a vessel’s AIS is off, we verify its draft and location to confirm if a cargo transfer occurred.

  • Identity Spoofing Checks: We flag "Zombie Vessels"—ships broadcasting clean identities while physically loitering in the Eastern Outer Port Limits (EOPL).

  • The "3-Step" Cargo Trace: For any cargo claimed as "Omani" or "Emirati" origin, we perform a chemical fingerprinting audit and verify the refinery of origin to ensure no Iranian "blending" has occurred.

3. High-Risk Hubs: Sohar, Duqm, and Salalah

While Oman remains a neutral and vital logistics partner, its waters are being exploited by illicit networks.

  • Sohar Port: Proximity to the UAE makes it a prime target for "Shadow Fleet" facilitators. We perform enhanced KYB (Know Your Business) on all local agents and bunker suppliers in Sohar.

  • Port of Duqm: Emerging as a major industrial hub, but also a site for coordinated AIS spoofing. We track vessels that simulate "compliant" navigation off Duqm while actually loading in sanctioned zones.

  • The "Stena Imperative" Protocol: Following the February 2026 harassment of tankers in the region, we require all our vessels to maintain Continuous AIS Transmission unless explicitly ordered otherwise by military authorities.

4. 2026 Risk Scoring: Persian Gulf & Oman

Risk IndicatorLevelVSCP Mitigation StrategyAIS Signal GapsExtremeImmediate Rejection of the Vessel.Recent Reflagging (India/Oman/UAE)HighFull UBO Audit of Management Company.Loitering off SoharHighDraft Sensitivity & SAR Image Review.Hailing by IRGCTacticalDeployment of Standard Response Procedures (NAVCENT).

5. Why Vetting Matters in Oman & Iran Trade

In 2026, the U.S. Treasury (OFAC) is increasingly using "Secondary Sanctions" against maritime service providers. If your vessel is fueled by a bunker barge with ties to the "Ghost Armada," your entire voyage can be blocked.

SanctionedShipping.com provides the "Network Shield":

  1. Bunker Audits: We verify the provenance of fuel supplied in Fujairah and Sohar.

  2. Shadow Fleet Blacklists: We use the latest February 2026 SDN updates to screen out managers like All Win Shipping and Elevate Marine.

  3. War Risk Liaison: We coordinate with underwriters to ensure "Listed Area" premiums are accurately priced and coverage is not voided by "Dark" activity.

Request a Gulf Risk Assessment

Fixing a vessel for the Middle East? Our team will provide a 24-Month Behavioral Audit of the ship and its management before you sign the Charter Party.

Contact the Persian Gulf Desk:

Email: info@sanctionedshipping.com

Subject: Persian Gulf Risk Assessment – [Vessel Name]