U.S. Central Command Chief: Hormuz Remains Open, Secure

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), affirmed on Saturday that U.S. forces are maintaining the Strait of Hormuz as an open and secure waterway for commercial shipping. He reported that more than one billion barrels of crude oil have transited the strait during the past two months.

Commercial vessel traffic secured

Cooper stated that U.S. forces assisted in securing the passage of over 2,000 commercial vessels through the strait. He confirmed that primary transit corridors remain free of mines and that thousands of ships continue to use this strategic maritime route.

Record cargo and oil movement

The admiral noted that the United States is coordinating with regional partners to expand navigation volume across the strait. He specified that oil and cargo transport volumes over the past two weeks reached their highest level compared to the preceding six months.

Nuclear-related sanctions enforcement

Regarding Iran, Cooper reiterated that the United States continues enforcing a strict embargo on Iranian oil exports. He emphasized that Tehran has not exported a single barrel of oil under current U.S. measures.

Joint drone defense initiative

Cooper explained that the United States is working with regional allies to strengthen their air defense capabilities. He announced plans to establish a new joint unit dedicated to countering offensive unmanned aerial systems.

Recent ceasefire attempts

This statement follows recent U.S. and Iranian efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Washington and Tehran announced ceasefire agreements in April and June, both aimed at de-escalating hostilities and reopening the waterway—though both collapsed rapidly.