In a video statement on U.S. military activities in the Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said they had supported the departure of more than 1 billion barrels of crude oil from the Gulf.
Cooper said coordinated protection had been provided to more than 2,000 commercial vessels passing through the strait, describing these activities as an indication of the momentum the U.S. military had gained in the region.
Oil and vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz
Cooper said the strait’s main shipping routes had been cleared of mines and that thousands of vessels were using them. He said partners in the Gulf had shipped more than 1 billion barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Cooper also claimed that Iran had not carried out any oil exports.
The CENTCOM commander argued that the strict measures implemented in the region were producing results. He said the volume of crude oil, cargo and liquefied natural gas transported over the past two weeks had exceeded the level recorded during any period in the previous six months.
Air defense capabilities strengthened
Cooper said they had strengthened air defense capabilities with partners in the region. He said the coalition had established a new unmanned aerial vehicle strike unit and added that they aimed to keep transit open and safe in and around the Strait of Hormuz.