US Military Assists in Exporting 1.5 Billion Barrels of Oil to Gulf States

US Central Command Reports Increased Commercial Vessel Transits in Strait of Hormuz

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that over 3,000 commercial vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz with support from US military forces since June. According to CENTCOM, more than 95 percent of ships navigating the channel have sailed through safely in recent months.

The figures were released as Commander Admiral Brad Cooper made a visit to the region, during which he observed the operational environment in the strait while flying in a US Army helicopter. Cooper stated that the US and regional partners control the international waterway, adding that the primary transit routes for vessels in the strait are free of Iranian mines due to mine clearance operations.

CENTCOM reported that crude oil flows have largely returned to pre-war levels, with at least 16.5 million barrels of oil per day leaving the region in September. This increase is attributed to a combination of offshore ship-to-ship transfers, US military escorts, and increased use of oil pipelines.

The visit by Admiral Cooper underscores the strong commitment of the US to continued freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM continues to work with Gulf partners, the US interagency, and the shipping industry to ensure commercial traffic flows safely.

Source: Al Jazeera