CENTCOM says more than 1 billion barrels of crude oil transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past two months, and credits U.S. forces with helping over 2,000 commercial vessel transits. The command reported primary lanes are clear of mines and recent two-week traffic was the highest in six months. Iran rejects the claim that its exports have been fully halted, saying deliveries continue outside territorial waters. CENTCOM says it is coordinating with GCC partners, insurers and shippers while bolstering regional defenses.
CENTCOM: Over 1 Billion Barrels Transited Strait of Hormuz in Two Months; Iran Disputes Blockade Claim
U.S. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on April 16. (SAUL LOEB/Getty Images)
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Saturday that more than 1 billion barrels of crude oil have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past two months, while asserting that Iran has exported no oil under a U.S. naval blockade.
Centcom Announcement
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, made the declaration in a video posted on social media, saying U.S. forces have helped more than 2,000 commercial vessels transit the strategic waterway by providing "coordinated protection." He described this as a significant milestone for maritime traffic in the region.
"CENTCOM forces have supported more than one billion barrels of crude oil leaving the Gulf. That's one billion barrels of crude oil out through the Strait of Hormuz in the last couple of months," Cooper said.
Security And Traffic
Cooper said the primary transit lanes through the strait are clear of mines and that thousands of vessels have passed safely through the waterway. CENTCOM also reported that the volume of crude oil, general cargo and liquefied natural gas moving through the strait during the past two weeks was higher than at any point in the previous six months.
"We've reached this significant milestone while assisting over 2,000 commercial ship transits through the strait by providing coordinated protection. Clearly, momentum is building," Cooper added.
Iran's Response
Tehran disputes CENTCOM's claim that its oil exports have been completely halted. Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said last month that exports have declined but insisted Iran continues to deliver oil to customers outside its territorial waters.
Regional Coordination
Cooper said CENTCOM is working with all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) partners, along with insurance and shipping companies, to increase commercial traffic through the waterway. He also said U.S. efforts include enhancing regional air defenses, forming a new coalition attack-drone unit, and keeping the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters open and clear.
Why it matters: The Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world's most important chokepoints for global energy shipments. Disruptions there can have immediate effects on global oil markets.
Source: CENTCOM statement and reporting
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