CENTCOM Commander: Mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz completed
Admiral Brad Cooper stated that Iran has been unable to export oil since the mid-July renewal of the U.S. naval blockade. No vessel enters or leaves Iranian ports without U.S. authorization, except for humanitarian shipments.
The Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Brad Cooper, provided a video update on American operations in the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that Iran has been unable to export oil from its shores since the renewal of the American naval blockade in mid-July.
According to the Admiral, no vessel enters or leaves an Iranian port without American authorization, except for vessels approved for humanitarian reasons. Since the renewal of the blockade, more than 20 warships and hundreds of American aircraft have participated in the operation. 75 vessels that attempted to breach the blockade were forced to turn back, and three vessels were disabled after failing to comply with orders.
Cooper announced that the U.S. military has completed the clearance of naval mines laid by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps in international shipping lanes, using Navy divers, Navy SEALs, and air forces. International shipping lanes are now open.
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the situation in Iran:
"Iran is currently not paying its soldiers. They are in deep trouble. They have very little capability left."
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz and American operations, Trump stated:
"Last night we moved 24 vessels through the Strait. We are moving them all the time. I am saying this openly. The Strait of Hormuz is open. We have control and we have a blockade. Iran is not getting anything. No ship is passing."
He added that they have completely cleared the Strait of mines, noting, "We have the best minesweepers in the world," and shared that they are monitoring Iran closely using the Space Force: "We see every centimeter of the Strait. Any vessel that enters with a mine — we see it and we eliminate it. We have already eliminated two of them."
