US MILITARY SAYS IT HELPED GULF STATES EXPORT 1.5BN BARRELS

US Central Command said on Sunday that its forces had helped Gulf countries export more than 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz since June. The command said more than 3,000 commercial vessels had crossed the waterway with its support over the past six months. It also said more than 95 per cent of ships navigating the strait had sailed through safely in recent months. CENTCOM presented the figures as part of its account of efforts to keep the route open amid threats from Iran.

Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM’s commander, visited the region and viewed conditions in the strait from a US Army helicopter. Cooper said the main routes used by vessels remained clear of Iranian sea mines following clearance work by US personnel. “We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Gulf partners and the shipping industry,” he said. CENTCOM said its forces had worked with Gulf states to support commercial shipping through the waterway.

Crude oil flows have largely returned to levels seen before the US and Israel launched their war on Iran in late February, according to the account of conditions in the strait. Commercial vessels continue to face a threat of attack by Iranian forces. Cooper said CENTCOM was working with other US agencies, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the shipping industry to keep traffic moving. “This visit underscores our strong commitment to continued freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.