Iran war hits 6-month mark with no end in sight

11m ago U.S. CENTCOM chief says Strait of Hormuz "momentum is building," reiterating stance that all mines cleared The head of the U.S. military's Central Command, Adm. Brad Cooper, has echoed President Trump's insistence that the Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes are clear of sea mines, saying they are "open, and momentum is building." He acknowledged, however, that vessels still seek direct U.S. military protection to use the vital waterway, which Iran has scared many commercial shippers away from since the U.S. and Israel launched their joint war on Iran six months ago — driving global oil prices up by about 30% compared to pre-war levels.In a video statement posted online Thursday evening, Cooper said the U.S. military had "meticulously and quietly" cleared mines laid months ago by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. "Internationally recognized transit routes in the strait are free of Iranian sea mines thanks to the incredible work of the U.S. military," he said. "Today, international shipping lanes are open, and momentum is building."President Trump said Thursday that the U.S. helped 24 oil tankers transit the strait the previous night, reiterating his insistence that the ...