iConscious

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Admiral Brad Cooper has issued an update on operations against Iran. Adm. Cooper says the U.S. naval blockade has denied Iran at least $25 billion in oil revenue and that, apart from humanitarian assistance, Iran has no imports or exports by sea. He says about 400 ships have transited the Strait of Hormuz over the past seven days, and that U.S. forces have helped Gulf partners ship more than 100 million barrels of oil. Cooper also said U.S. efforts have helped freeze about $350 million in Iranian cryptocurrency, and that more than 20 civilian mariners have been killed by Iranian attacks on shipping since February. The update comes as Iran continues to target vessels. Windward counted at least 23 attacks on commercial ships in and around the strait in the two weeks ending October 14, and Iran claims control of the area.