Pakistan, Aug. 22 -- The US Central Command says 660 million barrels of oil have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since May. CENTCOM said it helped commercial vessels transport the oil through the strategic waterway. The command also said more than 1,300 commercial vessels used the route during this period. However, Iran has declared the important shipping route closed to commercial traffic.

CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said several routes remain open for commercial transit. The statement comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. The US Navy has imposed a naval blockade around Iran. In response, Tehran announced restrictions on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, CENTCOM reported sig...