WASHINGTON — More than 1 billion barrels of crude oil have transited the Strait of Hormuz in recent months under a US military blockade, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Saturday.
“CENTCOM forces have supported more than 1 billion barrels of crude oil leaving the Gulf,” Adm. Brad Cooper said in remarks released by the command.
Cooper said US forces have also assisted more than 2,000 commercial vessel transits through the strategic waterway by providing coordinated protection.
He said the strait’s primary transit lanes had been cleared of mines, allowing thousands of ships to pass through the waterway.
At the same time, Cooper said Iran had exported “zero barrels” of oil, attributing the halt to what he described as the US “ironclad blockade.”
According to Cooper, the volume of crude oil, cargo and liquefied natural gas moving through the strait over the past two weeks was higher than at any point during the previous six months.
He said the US was working with Gulf Cooperation Council countries, insurers and shipping companies to further increase traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key energy transit routes.
Source: Saudi Gazette