The United States military reported a significant increase in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, reaching its highest level in six months, as it continues efforts to maintain the flow of oil and gas from the Arabian Gulf. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of American forces in the region, announced that over the past several months, US operations have facilitated the transportation of approximately 1 billion barrels of oil through the waterway.
Since the onset of hostilities between the US and Iran nearly seven months ago, the strait—which serves as a critical passage for about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas—has experienced disrupted shipping activity due to Iranian threats and attacks targeting tankers. According to Cooper, Iran has exported no oil during this period due to a US blockade, while American efforts have focused on establishing a protected corridor for vessels in the southern part of the strait.
US forces have coordinated protection for more than 2,000 commercial ships navigating the strait, contributing to a gradual recovery in the volume of crude oil, natural gas, and other cargo passing through. Cooper emphasized that the recent two-week period saw the highest levels of such traffic since the conflict began, reflecting ongoing collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, insurers, and shipping nations.
Despite these security measures, Iranian attacks on shipping have persisted. Maritime monitors reported that Iranian forces targeted a Togo-flagged oil tanker on Thursday night, following a separate incident involving another vessel on Wednesday. In response, Cooper stated that US forces have cleared Iranian mines from the strait’s primary transit lanes to ensure safer passage for commercial shipping.
The US remains committed to sustaining and increasing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for approximately 15 million barrels of crude oil daily before the conflict escalated. Coordination with the six GCC member states continues to be a key component of the strategy to stabilize and protect energy shipments in the region amid ongoing tensions.