US says 20 million oil barrels crossed Hormuz in 24 hours
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- US says Gulf oil flows are reportedly above pre-conflict levels.
- Washington pledged to keep the strait open and protect global energy shipments.
- US says it will not allow disruptions to global oil supplies.
Global energy transit through the Strait of Hormuz has experienced a significant surge, with 72 vessels exporting an estimated 20 million barrels of crude oil over the last 24 hours, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced.
The major maritime movement indicates that oil exports originating from the Persian Gulf have officially risen above the baseline levels recorded before the outbreak of regional hostilities.
However, Wright noted that the complete normalization of global shipping lanes has faced technical delays due to naval mines deployed by Iran throughout the strategic chokepoint.
Naval mines slow export
According to Wright, the current volume of oil departing the Gulf demonstrates the resilience of global supply chains, though the physical extraction and clearing process remains complicated.
The primary obstruction to a seamless transition is the residual presence of Iranian-planted mines, which have slowed the full, unrestricted movement of commercial shipping.
Wright acknowledged that Tehran's aggressive maritime posturing had previously achieved a degree of tactical success by intimidating commercial vessels and discouraging international shipping companies from entering the waterway.
Unconditional security guarantee
In response to the lingering security threats, the United States issued an absolute security mandate, decoupling the defense of global energy corridors from ongoing diplomatic negotiations with the Iranian government.
The Energy Secretary stated unequivocally that the United States will step in to guarantee the uninterrupted flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that American protection forces will maintain the shipping lanes regardless of whether a formal bilateral agreement is finalized with Tehran.
"We will not allow the world to be deprived of energy," the Secretary declared, reaffirming Washington's commitment to neutralizing maritime threats and safeguarding international commerce through the vital global transit artery.
