US Removes Mines from Strait of Hormuz, Blocks Iranian Oil Exports

The United States has declared that it has successfully removed Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway in the Middle East. According to Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), 'the internationally recognized transit routes in the strait are free of Iranian sea mines thanks to the incredible work of the United States Armed Forces.'

The removal of mines was achieved through coordinated protection provided by US troops to nearly 1,500 commercial vessels. These ships were transporting almost 750 million barrels of crude oil destined for global energy markets.

Meanwhile, Iran has not exported a single barrel of oil since the naval blockade was resumed in mid-July. Admiral Cooper boasted that 'while U.S. forces have facilitated the exit of 750 million barrels of crude oil from the Gulf, Iran has not exported a single barrel of oil from its coasts.'