U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has no authority to restrict navigation. According to the statement, CENTCOM forces have facilitated the safe passage of roughly 1,000 vessels and 500 million barrels of crude oil through the strait since the beginning of May.
The statement was issued amid an ongoing standoff between the U.S. military and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC has previously declared full control of the waterway and threatened to block shipping. CENTCOM's latest remarks reaffirm the U.S. position that the strait is an international passage protected by the U.S. Navy. The numbers provided — 1,000 vessels and 500 million barrels of oil since May — underscore the volume of traffic that continues to transit despite Iranian threats. The Zioneer has previously reported on CENTCOM's statements rejecting Iranian claims of control over the strait.
- StrongIRGC's own channel says Strait of Hormuz completely closed, warns of 'immediate' response
- DevelopingCENTCOM says Iran does not control Strait of Hormuz; shipping continues as normal
- DevelopingCENTCOM: 55 commercial ships transit Strait of Hormuz, traffic increases
- StrongCENTCOM: Commercial shipping continues transiting the Strait of Hormuz overnight
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