Increasing Oil Traffic Through the Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that over 1 billion barrels of crude oil have been transported through the Strait of Hormuz recently, even as Iran has not exported any due to the U.S. naval blockade.

Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM’s commander, detailed this achievement in a video on X, emphasizing the U.S. military’s role in aiding more than 2,000 commercial ship transits through the strait while providing coordinated protection.

“We’ve reached this significant milestone while assisting over 2,000 commercial ship transits through the strait by providing coordinated protection,” Cooper said in the social media video.

He also noted that the transit lanes were cleared of hazardous mines, facilitating safer passage for thousands of vessels.

According to Admiral Cooper, the volume of crude oil and natural gas transported over the past two weeks surpasses anything seen in the last six months.

“Even with this progress, we remain clear-eyed and laser-focused as we work with our teammates in the U.S. interagency, as well as all six partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council … as well as insurance and shipping companies, to increase the volume of traffic flow through the Strait of Hormuz,” he stated.

“We’re also working with every partner in the region, enhancing their air defense, forming a new coalition attack drone unit and keeping the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters open and clear,” he added.

The commander acknowledged the extensive efforts of U.S. military personnel across various fields, including pilots and intelligence analysts, noting that many are in their mid-20s.

The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global energy transportation, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. This waterway has become a focal point in the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as it is essential for Gulf nations supplying nearly 20% of the world’s oil.

Meanwhile, Iran disputes the U.S. assertion that its blockade has completely halted its oil exports. Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad claimed last month that, while exports have decreased, they have not been entirely cut off.