CENTCOM announces facilitating the safe passage of one billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz over the past two months

Washington, Sept. 19 (KUNA) – The Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Brad Cooper, announced on Saturday that U.S. forces have helped ensure the safe transit of more than one billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz over the past two months.

In an operational update posted on the X platform, Cooper stated that the rate of oil, cargo, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transits through the Strait of Hormuz during the past two weeks is the "highest in six months," noting that the U.S. military has facilitated the passage of more than 1,000 commercial vessels through the strait via "coordinated protection."

He added that U.S. forces continue to keep the Strait of Hormuz "open and safe," while emphasizing that Iran has not exported a single barrel of oil since the "tight blockade" on its ports was resumed.

Cooper clarified that the main transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz are free of mines and that thousands of vessels have passed through the strait, adding, "We are working with Gulf states, shipping companies, and insurers to increase traffic volume in the Strait of Hormuz."

He confirmed that the United States is working on the defensive front with its regional partners to enhance their air defense capabilities.

(END) A.M.M. / R.J.