U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz is open to lawful maritime traffic and that Iran does not control the waterway. However, tracking data cited by Telegram channels indicates no vessels have transited the strait in the past 24 hours, contradicting the official claim.
The Zioneer reported at 15:15 Jerusalem that CENTCOM issued a statement asserting the Strait of Hormuz is open and Iran does not control it. Now, minutes later, additional reporting from the same Telegram channels adds that tracking data shows no vessels transited the strait in the past 24 hours, creating a direct contradiction with the official U.S. position.
The CENTCOM statement itself is a reiteration of longstanding U.S. policy. As The Zioneer has reported extensively, the U.S. has consistently denied Iran's ability to control the strait, while Iranian officials, including the Chief of the General Staff, have claimed full control. The U.S. has deployed naval forces to escort tankers.
The tracking data, if accurate, would suggest that the effective blockade continues despite the denial. The source of the tracking data is not attributed to a specific organization, and the claim remains unverified. The contradiction raises questions about the reliability of both the U.S. statement and the tracking data.
What remains open: The Zioneer will continue to monitor for further statements from CENTCOM, independent tracking data, or Iranian responses.
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