U.S. Naval Blockade and Economic Pressure on Iran
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), stated on Friday that the United States’ naval blockade and its economic initiatives have imposed significant costs on Iran, with estimates suggesting a loss of at least $25 billion in oil exports. This pressure has left the Iranian regime, particularly its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), struggling to pay its personnel.
During a video briefing, Cooper discussed the U.S. strategy targeting key areas that support the Iranian regime’s financial stability—namely oil exports, digital finance, and the payment of security forces. This approach builds on the extensive damage done during the recent 38-day military campaign named Operation Epic Fury.
Cooper noted that these actions have severely strained Iran’s security structures, particularly impacting the IRGC. The blockade alone has stifled Iran’s ability to export crude oil, inhibiting the flow of funds that could be directed toward terrorist activities, military enhancements, and assaults on U.S. forces and allies in the region.
In addition to curtailing oil exports, U.S. efforts have led to the freezing of nearly $350 million in Iranian cryptocurrency. This further reduces the financial resources available for terrorist operations, munitions replenishment, or reconstructing military facilities destroyed by U.S. strikes.
The financial pressure has trickled down to affect Iran’s own security forces, with reports indicating that the government is delaying payments across various sectors, including oil and manufacturing, as well as within the IRGC itself.
Interestingly, the flow of money appears to be reversing, with reports suggesting that funds from militias aligned with Iran are being redirected back to the IRGC, which is struggling to fulfill its financial obligations to its own fighters.
Cooper’s comments highlight the increasing impact of President Trump’s comprehensive strategy aimed at degrading Iran’s military strength and financial lifelines. This approach combines military actions like Operation Epic Fury with economic measures such as the ongoing naval blockade under Operation Economic Outcast, which has been characterized by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as the most extensive economic isolation campaign ever.
The reimposition of the naval blockade in July has effectively halted Iran’s seaborne crude oil exports, while U.S. forces maintain security in the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring that commercial traffic remains uninterrupted despite Iran’s provocations.
Cooper stressed that humanitarian aid remains the only exception to this blockade, emphasizing that Iran currently has “no exports and no imports by sea.”
Despite Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels, Cooper confidently dismissed its claims of controlling the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the waterway is under U.S. and allied control.
Over the past week, about 400 merchant ships have successfully navigated through Hormuz, with U.S. forces assisting in transporting over 100 million barrels of crude oil in the same period. This adds to more than 1.3 billion barrels moved through the Strait recently, all while Iran’s access to its oil-export earnings remains blocked.
Currently, more than 50,000 U.S. service members are stationed throughout the Middle East, engaged in clearing mines, enforcing the blockade, and ensuring the safety of maritime operations.
According to Cooper, “The Islamic regime is clearly feeling the economic pain, and the IRGC is increasingly showing signs of greater desperation.” Nonetheless, the IRGC has continued its aggressive stance, targeting merchant ships and reportedly resulting in the deaths of over 20 civilian mariners since February.
Cooper’s remarks coincide with ongoing considerations by Trump for renewed military action against Iran while also maintaining diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions.
During a rally in Georgia, Trump referenced Iran’s military losses, humorously noting that the U.S. had eliminated so many of Iran’s leaders that there were hardly any left for negotiations.
Trump also highlighted the troubling economic situation in Iran, pointing to an alarming inflation rate and the substantial degradation of its military capabilities.
In response, Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, have condemned U.S. sanctions, denouncing them as inhumane, while insisting they will not yield to American pressure despite the overwhelming economic strain.
Furthermore, Iranian Army spokesman Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akraminia contested U.S. claims of dominance in the Strait, alleging that American ships have been pushed far from Iran’s waters and warning of upcoming operations to further restrict U.S. presence in the area.
Amid these threats, Cooper stated that the financial and military strains on Iran are mounting, with the regime struggling increasingly to maintain its military and security capabilities.
“The Islamic regime is clearly feeling the economic pain, and the IRGC is increasingly showing signs of greater desperation as a result,” he reiterated.
