CENTCOM will continue attacks on Iran to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz

Washington — The commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Brad Cooper, stated on Monday that America will continue military operations to eliminate Iranian threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

“We will swiftly continue reducing Iran’s capability to threaten freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Our efforts remain steady and we remain vigilant against adversaries,” Cooper said in a video message posted on X.

On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, including operations in Tehran, resulting in damage and civilian casualties. Iran subsequently responded by attacking Israeli territory and American military facilities in the Middle East.

The escalating conflict surrounding Iran has caused disruption to traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas exports from Persian Gulf nations to global markets, affecting regional oil production and exports.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei stated in his first speech on Thursday (12 March) that the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed, using the closure as a negotiating tool in the conflict with the United States and Israel.

Iran’s Ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, told RIA Novosti that the Strait of Hormuz must either be safe for everyone or not safe for anyone.