US denies Iran's claim of Strait of Hormuz closure
US Central Command stated that ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz continues, rejecting Iran's claim that the strait is closed.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Sunday that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is ongoing, refuting Iran's assertion that the strait has been closed. In a post on platform "X", CENTCOM stated that the Strait of Hormuz is open to all vessels wishing to legally transit this international waterway. US forces are deployed and ready to ensure freedom of navigation despite what it called Iran's unfounded aggression, threats, and arbitrary statements. CENTCOM emphasized that Iran does not control the strait and that traffic continues normally.
Earlier reports indicated that the US military struck over 140 military targets in Iran on Sunday in response to an Iranian attack on a civilian ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran retaliated by striking Persian Gulf states and announcing the closure of the strait. The Strait of Hormuz is strategically vital for Gulf states as a key route for oil exports.
