The United States government has implemented new restrictions on the military protection offered to commercial tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, the U.S. military, which has provided air-based defensive support for vessels since May, has narrowed the window of protection to two specific time slots per day.

This policy shift is reportedly a response to heightened security concerns, specifically an increase in Iranian attempts to intercept or harass ships traveling through the waterway, particularly during nighttime hours. By restricting the protected transit periods, the U.S. aims to concentrate its defensive assets to better ensure the safety of commercial traffic. Ships are now being advised to coordinate their passage with these designated windows to receive the full benefit of U.S. air cover. While the U.S. has maintained a presence in the region to protect global energy supplies and maritime trade, these new constraints reflect the ongoing logistical challenges of securing the narrow strait against persistent regional threats. The move highlights the delicate balance between maintaining a deterrent presence and managing the operational limitations of military resources in a high-tension environment.