US Military Update on Middle East Operations

Hi, I'm Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of US Central Command, here with an operational update on two ongoing missions in the Middle East. Many of our fifty thousand US troops operating across the region are doing outstanding work executing the naval blockade against

Iran while maintaining commercial traffic flow through the Strait of Hormuz. As recently announced, the US military has achieved a major milestone in the Strait of Hormuz. We have successfully cleared sea mines in the strait's

international shipping lanes that were laid months ago by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Internationally recognized transit routes in the strait are free of Iranian sea mines thanks to the incredible work of the US military. Let's take a look at exactly what this means.

Here's a nautical chart of the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding seas. It's frequently used by mariners around the world and clearly identifies the internationally recognized traffic separation scheme, which you see labeled on the chart as TSS. A traffic separation scheme is a highway system for ships on the

ocean. Here on the chart, a dividing line is shown and placed between lanes with opposing traffic directions to keep ships safely apart in the narrow waterway. These are the long-standing lanes international shipping has historically

used to transit the Strait of Hormuz, and over the past few months, our forces meticulously and quietly cleared them of sea mine threats using a combination of Navy divers, Navy SEALs, and US air power from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

The circumstances were challenging and dangerous to say the least, but we got the job done. Bottom line, today, international shipping lanes are open and momentum is building. Over the past several months, US forces have assisted nearly one

thousand five hundred commercial vessels in transiting the strait by providing coordinated protection. Those ships were carrying nearly seven hundred and fifty million barrels of crude oil destined for global energy markets, which is a

massive volume. And while American forces have supported seven hundred and fifty million barrels of crude oil leaving the Gulf, Iran has exported zero oil from its shores since we resumed the naval blockade in mid-July.

We have been highly effective. No ships have entered or left an Iranian port without our permission, and we have only allowed ships to pass through on humanitarian grounds, which is a credit to the dedication and professionalism of our sailors,

marines, and airmen in particular executing this complex mission. Since resuming the blockade, thousands of US service members operating more than twenty warships and hundreds of aircraft have sustained our success, turning around seventy-five

vessels attempting to run the blockade and disabling three vessels that did not comply when directed. CENTCOM forces have demonstrated time and time again that we are laser-focused on this mission. We remain vigilant, lethal, and resolved.

During a recent trip to the region, I saw firsthand how our brave men and women continue to answer the call. I had the privilege to recognize and thank our troops personally for their extraordinary service.

We've asked them to stay ready, and that's exactly what they are doing. 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. Thanks so much.