Iranian outlets are reporting Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, directly contradicting US statements that shipping traffic continues. The status of the strategic waterway has been the subject of conflicting claims since the IRGC formally declared a blockade last week.
Iranian outlets on Sunday renewed their assertion that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, according to translated reports. The claim directly contradicts recent US statements — including those from the White House and Pentagon — that shipping traffic through the waterway continues normally.
As The Zioneer reported earlier, the IRGC Navy formally closed the strait last week, citing alleged US and Israeli violations. Washington has consistently disputed the blockade, with a US official telling NBC on June 12 that shipping traffic continues. Iran's Foreign Ministry also denied the closure as recently as Friday, saying talks with the US on a final agreement would open in the coming days.
Sunday's reports from Iranian outlets suggest a hardening of Tehran's position, or at minimum a propaganda effort to maintain the blockade narrative. The contradictory claims have created uncertainty for global shipping and energy markets. The status of the strait — through which about 20% of the world's oil passes — remains unverified by independent sources.
2 developments
- StrongUS official says shipping continues transiting Strait of Hormuz
- DevelopingUS military denies Iranian claims of control over Strait of Hormuz, says shipping lane open
- DevelopingIranian military source: Strait of Hormuz closure to continue until US halts 'aggressive actions'
- StrongIranian Strait of Hormuz authority declares closure until further notice, citing US actions
Source and signal
- Open-source intake