U.S. Central Command says 97% of ships transit Strait of Hormuz unharmed despite Iranian attacks
U.S. Central Command reported that about 97% of vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz have done so without being hit by Iranian projectiles, while noting recent incidents and ongoing protection efforts.
U.S. Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins told Fox News Digital that the majority of Iran's attempts to strike ships in the Strait of Hormuz have failed, with roughly 97% of vessels transiting the waterway safely. He said the U.S. military has coordinated protection for thousands of civilian mariners, keeping the strait open for commercial traffic.
Centcom commander Adm. Brad Cooper added that Iranian attacks have resulted in more than 20 civilian mariner deaths since February, according to the International Maritime Organization. He noted that about 400 merchant ships passed through the strait in the past week, and U.S. forces helped regional partners move over 100 million barrels of crude oil during that period, contributing to more than 1.3 billion barrels shipped in recent months.
Hawkins emphasized the dual role of U.S. forces in maintaining commercial flow while enforcing a blockade that restricts Iranian oil exports and imports without U.S. permission. He praised the vigilance and professionalism of U.S. service members stationed across the Middle East, which total more than 50,000 personnel.
"The vast majority of Iran's attempted attacks on innocent civilian mariners transiting an international waterway, the Strait of Hormuz, are unsuccessful," Hawkins said. "It is open, it is available for transit, and we've seen that transit continue this very day."