ATHENS, March 13 - A handful of Greek shipowners have sent crude oil and dry bulk tankers through the Strait of Hormuz during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, risking destruction from mines, missiles and drones for a chance at millions of dollars in quick profits.

The voyages reflect the financial allure of soaring crude oil prices and surging tanker rates since the start of the war, which has effectively sealed off a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply from global markets.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged ships to "show some guts" and run the strait, although the U.S. military has declined requests from the shipping industry for escorts through the waterway because of the risk of attack.

"The risks are huge. But the sea has always been a risky business," said a Greek shipowner involved in the voyages who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the trade.

At least 10 ships operated by Greek companies, and at least two Chinese-operated vessels, have sailed through the strait between Iran and Oman since U.S. and Israeli strikes began on February 28, according to data from maritime specialists Lloyd's List Intelligence and MarineTraffic.

Companies involved include shipping magnate George Prokopiou's Dynacom, and the Embiricos family’s Aeolos Management, according to six industry sources familiar with the matter.

Dynacom and Aeolos did not respond to requests for comment.

Iran’s military has struck several ships moving through the narrow channel, vowing to keep it closed and warning that oil will reach $200 per barrel. At least 16 ships have been attacked, including Greek-operated vessels hit by drones.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday there was no clear evidence that Iran has placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz, after news reports suggesting Tehran had deployed about a dozen mines there.

A second Greek shipping source involved in the trade, who also asked not to be named, described the tense and fraught sailings in the n...