US military says Iran cut off from maritime trade in economic pressure campaign

Brad Cooper said US forces have prevented Iran from exporting at least US$25 billion worth of crude oil in recent months. (EPA Images pic) WASHINGTON: US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper claimed Friday that Iran has been cut off from maritime imports and exports as Washington intensified its campaign against Tehran's oil revenue and military funding, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

In a video message, Cooper said US efforts focused on three areas: restricting Iranian oil exports, disrupting digital financing and weakening the ability of Iran's security forces to pay their personnel.

"As a point of emphasis, with the exception of the humanitarian assistance we've allowed in, Iran has no exports and no imports by sea," Cooper said.

He said US forces have prevented Iran from exporting at least US$25 billion worth of crude oil in recent months.

US claims Hormuz remains open

Despite the restrictions on Iranian maritime trade, Cooper said commercial shipping continued through the Strait of Hormuz.

He accused Iran of attacking commercial vessels and said US forces were working with regional allies and shipping industry partners to strengthen maritime security.

"Let me be clear: the Strait of Hormuz is controlled by the United States and our regional partners, not Iran, and it remains open for business," Cooper said.

He said approximately 400 merchant ships had transited the strait over the previous seven days.

He added that US forces had assisted Gulf partners in transporting more than 100 million barrels of crude oil through the waterway during the same period, bringing the total volume shipped with US assistance in recent months to more than 1.3 billion barrels.