The Iranian military has denied a claim by the US Central Command that American forces supported the transfer of over a billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz in the past two months. According to Abu al-Fadl Shakarji, spokesperson for the Iranian Armed Forces, the claim made by US Admiral Brad Cooper is "false and ridiculous." Shakarji stated that Cooper's remarks are an attempt to boost the morale of US forces in the region.
Shakarji further emphasized that the US claim is an example of a "failed psychological operation" aimed at justifying the significant financial and human costs incurred by the US in the region. He also pointed out that such claims cannot change the fact that the US military was "expelled" from the region, and that the Iranian Armed Forces still maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz.
In a video statement, Cooper claimed that US forces had helped over 2,000 commercial ships cross the Strait of Hormuz by providing coordinated protection. He stated that the momentum is increasing, and that thousands of ships have crossed the strait, with over a billion barrels of crude oil shipped from Gulf partners through the strait. Cooper also claimed that Iran did not export a single barrel of oil due to the "tight blockade" imposed by the US.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway that has been a point of contention between Iran and the US. Following US strikes on Iran in February, Tehran restricted passage through the strait, and the US imposed a naval blockade targeting ships heading to or leaving Iranian ports. The blockade has had significant implications for the region's oil exports and global energy markets.
Iran's denial of the US claim highlights the ongoing tensions between the two countries. The Iranian military's statement emphasizes that the country's armed forces maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil exports. The US claim and Iran's denial are likely to further escalate tensions between the two nations.
The incident also underscores the complexities of the region's geopolitics. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil exports, and any disruptions to shipping through the strait can have significant economic implications. The US and Iran have a long history of tensions, and the current exchange is likely to be seen as part of a broader struggle for influence in the region.
The Iranian military's statement concluded by emphasizing that the country's armed forces remain vigilant and prepared to defend national interests. The incident is likely to be closely watched by regional and global players, given the potential implications for energy markets and regional stability.
Key points
- Iran denies US claim of supporting oil transfer through Strait of Hormuz
- US claims to have supported transfer of over a billion barrels of oil through Strait of Hormuz
- Incident highlights ongoing tensions between US and Iran over Strait of Hormuz
