CENTCOM says Strait of Hormuz reopened after mine clearance
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U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper said the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened to international shipping after U.S. forces cleared sea mines from recognized transit lanes. Cooper said the lanes are now free of Iranian mines and that traffic is accelerating. The claim follows the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports that began in July.
Key Facts
- Admiral Brad Cooper said U.S. forces cleared sea mines from internationally recognized transit lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Cooper said the transit lanes are now free of Iranian sea mines and that international shipping lanes are open.
- U.S. forces assisted about 1,500 commercial vessels carrying roughly 750 million barrels of crude oil through the strait in recent months.
- Since the U.S. naval blockade resumed in July, 75 ships attempting to breach it were turned back and 3 ships that failed to comply were disabled.
Mine Clearance Operation
Admiral Brad Cooper announced the reopening in a statement on CENTCOM's account on the U.S.-based social media platform X. He said Navy divers, naval commandos, and air elements from land, sea, air, and marine forces took part in the clearance operation. Cooper stated that internationally recognized transit routes are now free of Iranian sea mines. He added that international shipping lanes are open and gaining momentum as of today.
Shipping and Blockade
Cooper said U.S. forces helped about 1,500 commercial vessels carrying approximately 750 million barrels of crude oil transit the strait over the past few months. Since the U.S. naval blockade resumed in July, no ship has entered or left Iranian ports without U.S. authorization except those permitted for humanitarian reasons, Cooper claimed. He said 75 ships attempting to breach the blockade were turned back, and 3 ships that did not follow instructions were disabled.
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CENTCOM says Strait of Hormuz reopened after mine clearance
