U.S. Forces Aid Oil Passage Amid Ongoing Tensions with Iran
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Adm. Brad Cooper, U.S. military forces have facilitated the passage of over one billion barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz recently, while Iran has reportedly exported none due to Washington’s strict measures.
Cooper noted that this milestone was reached while ensuring the protection of more than 2,000 commercial vessels navigating this crucial waterway. He stated, “Clearly, momentum is building,” highlighting the increase in the movement of crude oil, cargo, and liquefied natural gas through Hormuz in the last two weeks, surpassing levels seen since the conflict began on February 28.
He remarked on the clarity of the strait’s primary transit lanes, which remain free of mines. “Over one billion barrels of crude have been shipped from Gulf partners through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran has exported zero barrels, thanks to our ironclad blockade,” he added.
Saturday’s report follows what Cooper described as a significant achievement back on August 28, when CENTCOM declared that U.S. forces had successfully removed Iranian sea mines from the acknowledged transit lanes through Hormuz after a period of complex mine-clearing efforts.
This meticulous and quiet work, according to Cooper, has resulted in open international shipping lanes, and he emphasized that “momentum is building.” Despite the increased security for commercial traffic through Hormuz, the blockade against Iran persists. CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces redirected 105 commercial ships recently to ensure compliance and maintain a complete halt to Iranian oil exports via the strait.
Cooper explained that the missions were distinct yet occurring simultaneously—restoring navigational freedom for global trade while preventing shipments to and from Iranian ports. The naval blockade is strengthened by Operation Economic Outcast, a broad campaign initiated by the Trump administration aimed at cutting off Iran’s economic avenues through sanctions and targeting illegal financial networks supporting the regime.
Cooper stated that CENTCOM is collaborating with all six Gulf Cooperation Council nations, U.S. agencies, insurers, and shipping companies to further enhance traffic through the strait, expressing optimism, saying, “The effort is paying off.”
In addition, the command is coordinating with regional partners to upgrade air defenses and establish a new coalition drone unit as threats from missiles and drones escalate in the area.
This announcement coincided with rising tensions in Saudi Arabia, where the Saudi-led coalition intercepted a Houthi missile aimed at Riyadh. The Iranian-aligned Houthis also claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on “sensitive” locations in the Saudi capital, with reports of smoke near King Khalid International Airport, although the cause is still unclear.
Iran’s military dismissed Cooper’s claims, with armed forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi labeling the CENTCOM statistics as “false” and “ridiculous,” describing the announcement as a “failed psychological operation.” He insisted that control over the Strait of Hormuz remains with Iran’s formidable armed forces.
The growing collaboration between U.S. and Gulf military forces comes just days before President Donald Trump is set to meet with leaders from all six Gulf Arab nations in New York, as his administration considers further actions in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz expressed to Breitbart News that Trump continues to be “very focused” on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, suggesting that the forthcoming U.N. General Assembly presents an opportunity to further diplomatic efforts.
