US Blocks Over 1 Billion Barrels of Oil from Leaving Persian Gulf

The US military has announced that over 1 billion barrels of crude oil have been escorted out of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz in recent months. This is according to Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), who credited an 'ironclad blockade' with driving Iranian oil exports to zero.

CENTCOM forces have supported the transit of more than 2,000 commercial vessels through the strategic waterway, one of the world's most important energy corridors. Cooper said that Iran has exported 'zero barrels' of oil during the period, a halt he attributed directly to the US military presence in the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's busiest chokepoints for oil and gas shipments, with a significant share of global seaborne crude passing through its narrow channel. Cooper said that the pace of shipping through the strait has accelerated sharply in recent weeks, with the volume of crude oil, cargo, and liquid natural gas reaching new highs.

The US is continuing to coordinate with the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, along with insurers and shipping companies, to further expand traffic through the waterway. Cooper also announced that the US is working with Gulf states to strengthen their air defense capabilities.