CENTCOM has issued a new statement regarding the US military's maritime blockade against Iran and its operations in the Strait of Hormuz. In a video message, CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper said that US forces have supported the transport of over 1 billion barrels of crude oil originating from partners in the Gulf region through the Strait of Hormuz. Cooper stated, "CENTCOM forces have supported the shipment of over 1 billion barrels of crude oil from the Gulf. This means that over 1 billion barrels of crude oil have been transported through the Strait of Hormuz in the last few months."
Noting that these transits were carried out with coordinated security services provided to commercial vessels, Cooper said, "We achieved this significant success by providing coordinated protection to more than 2,000 commercial vessels passing through the strait. It is clear that momentum is building."
Cooper also claimed that naval mines, which he alleged were laid by Iranian forces, had been cleared from the main transit routes in the strait, and that thousands of ships had passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Asserting that Iran has been unable to export oil due to the blockade imposed by the US, Cooper said, "Thanks to our ironclad blockade, Iran has exported zero barrels of oil." Cooper further announced that the amount of crude oil, commercial cargo, and liquefied natural gas passing through the Strait of Hormuz in the last two weeks was higher than in any period over the last six months.
The CENTCOM Commander stated that the US continues to work with its partners in the region, adding, "We are strengthening air defense in the region, establishing a new coalition attack drone unit, and keeping the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters open and free from threats."
News Source: 12punto
