CENTCOM Says Over 3,000 Ships Crossed Hormuz With US Support; Brent Still Near $114

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday, October 25, 2026 (3 Aban 1405) that US forces have helped Persian Gulf countries export more than 1.5 billion barrels of oil since June, and that more than 3,000 commercial vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz with US support over the past six months. CENTCOM said over 95 percent of ships crossing in recent months passed safely despite Iranian threats. Its commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, said during a visit to the region that the primary transit routes are free of mines. These figures are CENTCOM's own claims and have not been independently confirmed.

Al Jazeera, citing a market intelligence firm, reports that at least 16.5 million barrels of oil per day left the region in September (excluding Iran), equal to the pre-war average; analysts attribute the rebound to offshore ship-to-ship transfers, US military escorts and wider use of pipelines. Oil prices remain far above pre-war levels: Sahmino's 08:00 record on Monday, October 26 (4 Aban) had Brent at $114.43 a barrel, down $2.29 (1.96 percent) from the previous session. Brent settled at $72.48 on February 27, 2026 (8 Esfand 1404), the day before the US and Israel began striking Iran, so today's price is about 58 percent higher.