U.S. Army Assists in Escorting 1.5 Billion Barrels of Oil Through Strait of Hormuz
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**U.S. Forces Assist 1.5 Billion Barrels of Oil Through Strait of Hormuz**
**By Tsvetana Paraskova**
U.S. forces have helped Middle Eastern energy producers move over 1.5 billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz since conflict with Iran broke out, according to Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Speaking during a visit to the crucial maritime choke point, Cooper noted that U.S. and partner forces have assisted more than 3,000 commercial vessels in navigating the passage over the last six months. CENTCOM forces have also focused on neutralizing sea mines deployed in international shipping channels by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Military officials reported that 95% of commercial ships have traversed the waterway without incident in recent months, which CENTCOM asserts reflects allied control over the route. Tanker-tracking data indicates that crude shipments through the strait and the broader Persian Gulf have rebounded over the past two months, with non-Iranian exports meeting or exceeding levels seen prior to the war.
Despite these operational milestones, risks to regional shipping persist. Escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces in Yemen threaten to disrupt ongoing export recoveries, while Iran continues to claim strikes against commercial tankers in the area.
These sustained threats have driven maritime freight rates to record highs. As a result, energy markets continue to price in elevated transport costs and persistent supply chain inefficiencies, keeping global crude prices elevated. Brent Crude traded above $115 per barrel on Monday, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) remained above $100 per barrel.
