CENTCOM: Shipping Continues in Strait of Hormuz Despite Iran’s Claims

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all vessels seeking to legally transit this international waterway. This statement comes in response to Iran’s earlier claims of closing the strait. On the social media platform X, CENTCOM emphasized that US forces are deployed and ready to ensure freedom of navigation, despite what it called "Iran’s unfounded aggression, threats, and arbitrary statements."

"Iran does not control the strait. Traffic is ongoing," CENTCOM stressed. The situation escalated after US forces on Sunday struck more than 140 military targets in Iran, retaliating for Iran’s attack on a civilian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran responded with strikes on Persian Gulf states and announced the closure of the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz is strategically vital for Persian Gulf states as a key route for oil exports. Any closure would cause major disruptions in global oil markets. According to CENTCOM, shipping traffic is currently proceeding without interruption.