U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to lawful maritime traffic, calling Iranian claims of control unfounded. U.S. forces are positioned to ensure freedom of navigation despite Iran's 'unjustified aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations,' the statement said.
The Zioneer has previously covered CENTCOM's statements on the Strait of Hormuz, including a June 20 announcement that Iran does not control the waterway and that shipping continues as normal. In the Sunday statement, CENTCOM reiterated that the gulf is open to vessels seeking lawful passage through the international waterway, and that U.S. forces are positioned and ready to ensure freedom of navigation despite what it described as 'unjustified Iranian aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations.' The statement maintains that 'Iran does not control the gulf' and that 'traffic is flowing.' This comes as part of an ongoing U.S. naval presence in the region to counter Iranian attempts to disrupt shipping.
3 developments
- StrongUS official says shipping continues transiting Strait of Hormuz
- StrongIranian outlets claim Strait of Hormuz remains closed, contradicting US denials
- DevelopingUS military dismisses Iranian claims of control over Strait of Hormuz, reports 800 vessels transited
- StrongShip tracking data shows sharp drop in Strait of Hormuz traffic over past 24 hours
Source and signal
- Internal intake