U.S. Says Strait of Hormuz Remains Open Despite Iranian Threats

The United States has reaffirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to lawful international shipping, dismissing suggestions that Iran has authority over the strategic waterway.

In a statement released on July 12, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said maritime traffic continues to move through the strait and emphasized that international vessels are free to transit the route in accordance with international law.

CENTCOM Reaffirms Freedom of Navigation

According to CENTCOM, U.S. forces are positioned throughout the region and remain prepared to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The command said its military presence is intended to ensure that commercial and civilian vessels can continue using the international waterway despite what it described as Iranian aggression, harassment, threats, and unilateral declarations regarding maritime access.

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U.S. Rejects Iranian Claims of Authority

CENTCOM also rejected any assertion that Iran exercises control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The military stated that the waterway is an international passage and that Iran does not have the authority to determine which foreign vessels may legally transit through it.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region and follows recent exchanges between Washington and Tehran over maritime security.

Commercial Shipping Continues Through the Strait

Despite the ongoing tensions, CENTCOM said shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains uninterrupted.

Officials noted that vessels continue to move through the corridor, underscoring that the route remains operational for lawful international transit.

Strategic Waterway Remains in Global Focus

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world‘s most important maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and commercial shipping traffic.

With regional tensions remaining elevated, the U.S. military has reiterated its commitment to maintaining secure navigation through the passage, saying it will continue to support the free movement of vessels using the internationally recognized waterway.