The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) assured that its forces have facilitated the transit of more than 1 billion barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, while maintaining operations aimed at protecting commercial traffic amid tensions in the region.
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The CENTCOM commander, Brad Cooper, noted that the volume was reached while the United States provided coordinated protection to more than 2,000 commercial vessel transits through this maritime route.
“We have reached this significant milestone while assisting more than 2,000 commercial vessel transits through the Strait, providing coordinated protection,” Cooper stated. He added that the main shipping routes are “mine-free.”
Cooper maintained that, despite the reported progress, the United States continues working to increase the volume of oil, cargo, and liquefied natural gas passing through the strait.
To this end, he indicated that U.S. forces maintain coordination with various government agencies, the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), insurance companies, and shipping firms.
“The effort is paying off,” said the commander, who assured that during the last two weeks the volume of crude oil, cargo, and liquefied natural gas has been higher than at any other time in the past six months.
The U.S. military chief also stated that Iran has not exported oil through the strait due to the blockade imposed by Washington.
“Thousands of vessels have passed through the Strait, while Iran has not exported a single barrel thanks to our strict blockade,” Cooper said.
The announcement comes as tensions continue in the United States energy markets. The average price of diesel stood this Friday at US$6.43 per gallon, near its historic high, according to the latest GasBuddy data.
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