US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said Thursday that American forces have completed the clearance of Iranian-laid sea mines from internationally recognized shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the operation as a major milestone.
In an operational update, Cooper said thousands of US servicemembers are simultaneously enforcing a naval blockade against Iran while helping maintain the flow of commercial shipping through the strategically important waterway.
“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," Cooper said. “Internationally recognized transit routes in the Strait are free of Iranian sea mines thanks to the incredible work of the US military."
According to Cooper, the mine-clearing operation involved Navy divers, Navy SEALs and air assets from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. He described the mission as difficult and dangerous but said the forces involved had successfully completed their task.
“The circumstances were challenging and dangerous to say the least, but we got the job done," he said. “Bottom line, today, international shipping lanes are open and momentum is building."
Cooper explained that the cleared routes form part of the Strait's internationally recognized traffic separation scheme, which directs vessels traveling in opposite directions through the narrow waterway.
Over recent months, US forces have helped nearly 1,500 commercial vessels pass through the Strait under coordinated protection, Cooper said. Those ships transported nearly 750 million barrels of crude oil to global markets.
At the same time, he said, Iran has been unable to export oil from its shores since the US naval blockade resumed in mid-July.
“And while American forces have supported 750 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," Cooper said.
He added that no vessels had entered or departed Iranian ports without US authorization, with exceptions made only for humanitarian reasons.
Since the blockade resumed, thousands of American servicemembers operating more than 20 warships and hundreds of aircraft have supported the mission, according to Cooper. He said US forces have turned around 75 vessels that attempted to breach the blockade and disabled three that failed to comply with orders.
Cooper praised the personnel carrying out the operation and said CENTCOM remained focused on its mission.
“We remain vigilant, lethal, and resolved," he said.
The CENTCOM commander also described recently visiting the region and meeting American troops involved in the operations.
“I just could not be prouder of their efforts, and I know that the American people share that same pride," Cooper said. He concluded by urging servicemembers to remain prepared and look after one another.