CENTCOM reports continued commercial shipping through Strait of Hormuz
US Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported that more than 3,000 commercial vessels have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz with support from American forces over the past six months, as maritime security operations continue along the strategic waterway.
According to CENTCOM, US forces have also assisted Gulf partners in exporting more than 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil since the summer. The figures were released following a visit to the strait on 25 October by CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper, who observed the operational environment from a US Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
The military command described the latest figures as evidence of continued commercial activity through the waterway amid ongoing regional security concerns.
Maritime security and mine clearance operations
During his visit, Cooper met US military personnel involved in operations to clear sea mines from the strait’s international shipping lanes.
CENTCOM maintains that its forces have cleared mines allegedly laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), allowing commercial shipping to continue using the primary transit routes.
“Today, primary transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz remain free and clear of Iranian sea mines thanks to incredible efforts by our people,” said Cooper.
The commander also reiterated US commitments to maritime security cooperation with Gulf countries and the shipping industry.
“We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Gulf partners and the shipping industry,” said Cooper.
Commercial traffic through the strait
CENTCOM stated that more than 95% of vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz in recent months had completed their passages safely, despite what the command described as hostile Iranian activity.
The percentage, along with the reported number of vessel transits and volume of crude oil exports, represents figures provided by the US military command. The announcement did not include an independently verified breakdown of vessel movements, cargo volumes or the methodology used to calculate the safe-transit rate.
CENTCOM said it remains focused on maintaining commercial traffic through cooperation with US government agencies, Gulf Cooperation Council partners and representatives of the shipping industry.
The latest statement follows earlier US military operations aimed at restoring commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, including mine-clearance activities and security support for merchant vessels.
