US CENTCOM Commander Visits Strait of Hormuz, Reaffirms Commitment to Freedom of Navigation

The US military announced on Sunday that Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), visited the Strait of Hormuz to assess the current operational environment in the strategic international waterway.

According to CENTCOM, Cooper conducted an aerial tour over the strait aboard a US Army helicopter. He reaffirmed Washington’s continued support for its partners in the Gulf region and stressed the United States’ commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring the continued flow of maritime traffic through the strait.

During the visit, Cooper met with US service members involved in mine-clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz, acknowledging their efforts to help secure the vital maritime route.

He also stated that approximately 3,000 commercial vessels had transited the Strait of Hormuz over the past six months with support from US Central Command forces.