Hormuz Shipping: US Cites 3,000 Vessels and Mine Clearance Efforts

Washington, October 26

The US Central Command has reported that American military support has helped move more than 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil out of Gulf countries through the Strait of Hormuz over the last six months. The claim was made by CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper.

Cooper conducted an aerial inspection of the strait on Sunday, flying over the waterway in a US Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter. CENTCOM said more than 3,000 commercial vessels have passed through the route during the period with its backing.

The command also asserts that over 95 percent of ships crossing the strait in recent months have remained unharmed.

During the visit, Cooper said the United States is committed to maintaining maritime traffic together with its Gulf allies and shipping companies. He said the trip demonstrates the American resolve to ensure smooth passage through Hormuz.

CENTCOM noted that US forces had carried out a mine removal operation in the strait's international navigation channels in recent months. Cooper also met military personnel engaged in that effort. According to the command, the primary sea routes are now free of mines placed by Iran, and efforts continue to keep commercial vessels moving.

The standoff over Hormuz grew sharper after the joint US-Israeli air strikes on Iran in February. Tehran tried to bar vessels from using the route and asserted authority over the strait, also seeking fees or permission for ships to pass.

In reply, the US imposed a naval blockade on Iran and worked to keep oil and other commercial cargo flowing from the Gulf region.

Hormuz is a key artery for global energy supplies, with large quantities of crude oil and other energy products from Persian Gulf producers reaching international markets through it.