US military forces say they have helped Gulf countries export more than 1.5 billion barrels of oil since June, even as Iran has tried to control the vital waterway, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).
On Sunday, the command said more than 3,000 commercial vessels had crossed the Strait of Hormuz with its support over the past six months. It added that over 95 percent of ships using the channel had passed safely in recent months despite Iranian threats, which it said showed the United States and its regional partners control the international passage.
Admiral Brad Cooper’s regional visit and mine clearance
CENTCOM released the figures while Commander Admiral Brad Cooper toured the region, observing conditions in the strait from a US Army helicopter. In a statement, Cooper said Washington would keep standing with its Gulf partners and the shipping industry, calling the trip a sign of its firm commitment to open navigation.
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Cooper also said the primary transit routes were clear of Iranian mines, crediting the work of personnel who carry out mine clearance operations. He added that the military remains focused on keeping commercial traffic moving alongside US interagency partners, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the shipping sector.
Oil exports recover while prices stay elevated
Crude oil flows have largely returned to levels seen before the United States and Israel launched their war on Iran in late February, although Iranian forces still pose a threat to commercial vessels. Market intelligence firm Kpler said at least 16.5 million barrels per day left the region in September, matching the pre-war average when Iran is excluded.
Analysts have linked the rebound to offshore ship-to-ship transfers, US military escorts and greater use of oil pipelines. Prices, however, remain far above pre-war levels. Brent crude futures were trading at about $114.50 a barrel on Sunday, down roughly 2 percent from last week’s near six-month high, while Brent had settled at $72.48 a barrel on February 27, the day before strikes on Iran began.
