US clears Strait of Hormuz as 50,000 troops maintain blockade of Iran, CENTCOM chief says

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.

The US military has cleared Iranian sea mines from internationally recognized shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in an operational update on Thursday evening.

The Strait of Hormuz, which is an international shipping zone critical to the world economy, can now be transited freely, Cooper said, dubbing the achievement a "major milestone."

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

CENTCOM cleared the strait with "a combination of Navy divers, Navy SEALs, and US air power from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps," he said.

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

US hasn't allowed Iranian ships to pass strait except for humanitarian reasons, Cooper said

Moreover, 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.

At the same time, he said, around 50,000 US troops are executing a blockade on Iran, preventing the country from shipping oil since mid-July.

"No ships have entered or left an Iranian port without our permission, and we have only allowed ships to pass through on humanitarian grounds," he maintained, crediting the "dedication and professionalism" of US sailors, Marines, and airmen.

More than 20 warships and hundreds of aircraft took part in the operations in the Strait of Hormuz, Cooper said. These forces turned around 75 vessels attempting to breach the blockade, and disabled three, he added.

"I just could not be prouder of their efforts, and I know that the American people share that same pride. So to all our service members, keep up the great work, continue to take care of one another, and Godspeed."