Iran rejects US claims of one billion barrels of oil passing through Hormuz

Iranian armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi has dismissed statements by US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Brad Cooper regarding support for the passage of over one billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, calling them "false, misleading, and ridiculous."

According to Iran's IRNA news agency, Shekarchi said these remarks are less a reflection of reality and more a "failed psychological operation aimed at boosting the morale of exhausted and fatigued US forces" in the region, as well as an attempt to justify the heavy financial and human costs the United States incurs there. He added that such statements cannot change the reality of the US military's withdrawal from the region.

The Iranian armed forces spokesman also asserted that control of the Strait of Hormuz remains in Tehran's hands.

Earlier today, the US Central Command chief said efforts continue to maintain security in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that it is currently safe and open to navigation, with thousands of vessels passing through and the main shipping lanes free of mines.

In his remarks, Cooper stated that US efforts over the past two months have facilitated the passage of more than one billion barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, in addition to assisting over 2,000 commercial vessels.