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🇮🇱 Israel /Conflict & Security

US clears Strait of Hormuz of mines, maintains blockade of Iran

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has cleared Iranian sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring free transit for international shipping.
  • Adm. Brad Cooper reported that nearly 1500 vessels carrying 750 million barrels of oil have safely transited the strait under U.S. protection.
  • Simultaneously, approximately 50,000 U.S. troops are enforcing a blockade on Iran, preventing oil shipments since mid-July, with only humanitarian exceptions allowed.

The U.S. military has successfully cleared Iranian sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Adm. Brad Cooper announced. This operation ensures that internationally recognized shipping lanes are now open and "momentum is building" for free transit, Cooper stated, calling it a "major milestone."

Bottom line, today, international shipping lanes are open and momentum is building.

— Adm. Brad CooperAdmiral Cooper's statement on the status of the Strait of Hormuz.

Cooper detailed that the clearance was achieved through a "combination of Navy divers, Navy SEALs, and US air power from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps." He described the circumstances as "challenging and dangerous" but affirmed that the mission was accomplished. He also noted that nearly 1500 vessels, carrying approximately 750 million barrels of crude oil, have transited the strait in recent months, all under the protection of U.S. forces.

The circumstances were challenging and dangerous to say the least, but we got the job done.

— Adm. Brad CooperCooper describing the operation to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz.

Concurrently, the U.S. is maintaining a strict blockade on Iran, with around 50,000 troops enforcing it. Since mid-July, no ships have been allowed to enter or leave Iranian ports without U.S. permission. Cooper specified that passage has only been granted on humanitarian grounds. He credited the "dedication and professionalism" of U.S. sailors, Marines, and airmen for the success of these operations, which involved more than 20 warships and hundreds of aircraft.

Nearly 1500 vessels carrying roughly 750 million barrels of crude oil have transited the strait in the past months, Cooper said, adding that this was done with the protection of US forces.

— Adm. Brad CooperCooper detailing the volume of oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

During these operations, forces turned away 75 vessels attempting to breach the blockade and disabled three others. Cooper expressed immense pride in the service members involved, stating, "I just could not be prouder of their efforts, and I know that the American people share that same pride."

No ships have entered or left an Iranian port without our permission, and we have only allowed ships to pass through on humanitarian grounds.

— Adm. Brad CooperCooper explaining the terms of the blockade on Iran.
About this summary

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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