US Central Command Affirms Freedom of Navigation in Hormuz

General Brad Cooper, chief of US Central Command, visited the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday to affirm the United States' commitment to freedom of navigation and the continued export of Gulf oil. US Central Command reports that its forces have facilitated the transit of more than 3,000 commercial vessels and supported the export of over 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil since the summer.

These operations follow efforts by US forces to clear international shipping lanes of sea mines laid by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. While the US maintains that primary transit routes are now clear, Iran continues to demand the lifting of oil sanctions and naval blockades before fully reopening the waterway.

The situation remains volatile following a US-Israeli campaign against Iran that began on February 28. President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of a new military operation. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the threat of renewed war would not change Tehran's positions, while Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf demanded that Washington meet seven specific conditions before the waterway can be reopened.