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The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international vessels, despite ongoing tensions and aggressive posturing by Iranian forces in the region. A statement issued by CENTCOM stressed that U.S. military personnel are poised and ready to ensure the continued freedom of navigation through this critical global waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategic passage that separates Iran from Oman, with approximately 20% of global oil exports passing through it. CENTCOM emphasized that Iran’s actions, including unwarranted aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations, had no bearing on the sovereignty and accessibility of the strait. According to CENTCOM, the strait remains an international waterway and its passage is not controlled by Iran.
“We continue to operate with confidence and precision to maintain the freedom of navigation in this critical region,” stated General Erik Kurilla, Commander of CENTCOM. “The U.S. military remains dedicated to its responsibility to protect U.S. interests, allies, and partners in the Middle East.”
CENTCOM officials reported that despite Iranian actions designed to intimidate vessels passing through the strait, traffic continued to flow freely. International oil tankers, commercial shipping vessels, and naval craft from various countries were seen moving through the strait without incident.
Iran’s aggressive behavior in the region is seen as a direct challenge to the safety and security of international shipping. The Iranian government has made a series of provocative statements and actions, including seizure of foreign oil tankers and detention of merchant vessels, in a bid to demonstrate its influence over the strait.
However, CENTCOM officials maintained that the U.S. military remained committed to ensuring the free flow of commerce and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. “The U.S. military will continue to operate with its allies and partners to keep the strait open,” General Kurilla emphasized. “Our resolve in this matter is unwavering.”
CENTCOM’s assertion of U.S. commitment to protecting the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following months of escalating rhetoric and military posturing by both sides.