US Central Command denies Iranian control of Strait of Hormuz, says waterway remains open

The US Central Command has firmly rejected Iranian allegations of control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, reaffirming that the waterway remains freely open to commercial shipping with the backing of US military forces. In denying these claims, CENTCOM dismissed claims by a Revolutionary Guard commander about controlling the strait’s entrances and exits, dismissing such assertions as false.

The statement emphasized that Iran does not hold dominion over the Strait of Hormuz, and the international waterway continues to be accessible despite threats and attacks from the Revolutionary Guard.

CENTCOM further explained that commercial vessels have persistently navigated the Strait of Hormuz under the protection of US military forces since early May. Thousands of ships, including over a billion barrels of oil in recent months, have successfully transited the strait, maintaining its open status. The command confirmed that navigation through the strait remains active.

Meanwhile, Iranian Army Deputy Coordinator Admiral Habibollah Sayyari claimed full control by the Revolutionary Guard Navy over the western part of the Strait of Hormuz, the strait itself, and the Gulf. He added that the eastern portion of the strait and the northern Indian Ocean are under the control of Iran's naval forces, while no one is permitted to attempt passage without permission.