On Saturday, September 19th, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that in the past two months, the U.S. military has escorted over 1 billion barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz while maintaining a “zero oil export” blockade against Iran.
In a statement released on social media by CENTCOM, Navy Admiral Brad Cooper appeared in a roughly one-minute video briefing. Admiral Cooper stated that the main passageway of the strait has been cleared of sea mines, with the past two weeks seeing the highest levels of oil, natural gas, and cargo shipments in the last six months, surpassing even the levels shortly after the U.S. air assault war began.
Over the past two months, CENTCOM forces have assisted in the transport of over 1 billion barrels of crude oil out of the Gulf, according to Admiral Cooper. The U.S. military also provided coordinated protection to aid over 2,000 commercial vessels in safely passing through this strategic waterway.
Meanwhile, under the U.S. military’s “iron-fist” blockade, Iran’s oil export volume remains at “zero,” as stated by Admiral Cooper. He additionally mentioned that the U.S. is collaborating with Gulf Cooperation Council member countries, insurance companies, and shipping firms to further increase the navigational capacity of this waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s critical energy transport routes.
However, monitoring organizations indicate that shipping volumes still remain significantly lower than pre-war levels. Iran continues to sporadically attack vessels to uphold its control over this waterway. Prior to the war, approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas trade passed through this route.
Iran’s armed forces have rebuked CENTCOM’s claims, describing them as a “failed psychological warfare” initiated by Washington to boost U.S. military morale and find excuses for the economic and personnel losses caused by the war.