Hormuz oil flows hit 6-month high as U.S. mine clearance pays off, CENTCOM says

Oil and liquefied natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz surged to a six-month high over the past fortnight, signaling that U.S. naval escorts and mine-clearing efforts are bearing fruit despite ongoing tensions in the region, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of CENTCOM, stated in a video address released on Saturday that progress is evident, with primary transit channels cleared of naval mines and Gulf allies successfully exporting over 1 billion barrels of crude through the strategic waterway.

This development comes as Washington enforces an "ironclad blockade" against Tehran, leading Iran to export "zero barrels" of oil. The U.S. military has facilitated over 2,000 commercial vessel transits in coordination with Gulf Cooperation Council partners, insurers, and maritime shippers to stabilize global energy flows. Recent air raid alerts in Riyadh and escalating Houthi attacks add a layer of complexity to the situation.

Saudi authorities issued two air raid warnings for the capital, the first in the city since the peak of direct U.S.-Iran conflict in the spring, though these alerts were later lifted. Reports of two explosions near King Khalid International Airport and operational delays followed, stemming from weeks of intensified drone and missile strikes by Iran-backed Houthis targeting Saudi infrastructure.

Additionally, a Houthi drone strike on Taif resulted in one death and several injuries. The Houthis have also imposed a blockade on Red Sea routes around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, significantly reducing tanker traffic. Only five laden tankers carrying Saudi petroleum products exited the Red Sea through Bab el-Mandeb in the past week, according to Kpler data.

The economic pressure and political urgency to manage energy security in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 10 million barrels of crude and refined products daily, remain a top priority for the administration ahead of the November U.S. midterm elections. Brent crude prices have climbed to near $104 a barrel, up from $88 three weeks earlier, contributing to rising pump prices and intensifying domestic inflation concerns.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright acknowledged that while energy markets are "tighter than we'd like today," the continuous transit through the strait is preventing further deterioration of supply.