U.S. Central Command said Saturday that commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz increased today, with 55 merchant vessels carrying over 17 million barrels of oil. The statement follows Iran's announcement of a closure of the strategic waterway.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has increased today, directly contradicting Iran's declaration that the waterway is closed. According to CENTCOM's statement, 55 merchant vessels transited the strait, carrying large quantities of cargo and more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets.
The CENTCOM statement emphasized that 'the safe passage through the strait remains intact' and that American forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are fully maintained. The announcement follows Iran's earlier declaration closing the strait after reported U.S. strikes on coastal sites.
As The Zioneer has reported since June 10, the U.S. has consistently disputed the Iranian blockade claim. President Donald Trump said earlier this week that more than 200 oil tankers carrying 100 million barrels of oil have crossed the strait under American escort. The new CENTCOM figure underscores that commercial traffic continues at significant volume despite the IRGC's threat to attack any vessel attempting to transit.
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