CENTCOM: The Strait of Hormuz is open and we are ready to ensure the freedom of navigation
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) emphasized minutes after Iran’s announcement about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz that this waterway is open for the lawful passage of all vessels.
CENTCOM stated in a communiqué that American forces are deployed in the region and are ready to guarantee the freedom of navigation, adding that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, the Gulf Waterway Management Authority had announced that due to US military activities, passage through the Strait of Hormuz is currently not possible and the issuance of permits will resume once stability is restored.
The Revolutionary Guard had also previously announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the end of US interventions.
In contrast, the United States considers this waterway international and calls attacks on ships passing near the Omani coast illegal. Iran says that based on an agreement with the United States, the responsibility for arranging the safe passage of ships during a 60-day period was Tehran’s responsibility.