CENTCOM Assists Over 1,500 Vessels in Crossing Strait of Hormuz
US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that US forces have assisted over 1,500 commercial vessels in crossing the Strait of Hormuz in recent months. These ships were carrying nearly 750 million barrels of crude oil intended for global energy markets.
CENTCOM claims to have cleared Iranian sea mines from the international shipping lanes in the strait, a claim disputed by some US allies according to media reports. Admiral Cooper stated that 'internationally recognized transit routes in the strait are free of Iranian sea mines' and that the Strait of Hormuz has been cleared.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly laid these sea mines months ago, but CENTCOM credits US military efforts for removing them. The Admiral also mentioned that Iran has not exported any oil from its shores since the naval blockade resumed in mid-July.