The US Central Command, also known as CENTCOM, has denied claims made by a senior Iranian military officer that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed. According to CENTCOM, navigation through the strait continues under the control of the US and its regional partners. The denial comes after Iranian Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naghdi stated that the strait was closed and under full Iranian control.
General Naghdi's comments were reported by Iran's Mehr News agency, which quoted him as saying that the Strait of Hormuz was closed and would remain so until Iran's "legitimate" demands were met. CENTCOM described the Iranian claims as "not accurate," emphasizing that ships, including those carrying commercial goods and energy supplies, continue to pass through the strait.
According to CENTCOM, approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil have passed through the strait. The US and its regional partners maintain clear control over the waterway, the military command said. The strait's strategic importance for global oil supplies and trade has made it a focal point of tensions between Iran and Western nations.
The Iranian military has increased its presence in the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, when it seized control of the waterway and restricted the passage of Israeli and US-affiliated vessels. This move came in response to joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory. The development heightened concerns about potential disruptions to global shipping and oil supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for international trade, with a significant portion of the world's oil exports passing through it. Any prolonged closure or disruption of shipping through the strait could have far-reaching impacts on the global economy. CENTCOM's statement appears aimed at reassuring international shipping interests that the waterway remains open.
The US and Iran have experienced heightened tensions in recent years, with disputes over Iran's nuclear program, its military activities in the region, and US sanctions on Iranian oil exports. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains a key point of contention, with both sides maintaining a strong military presence in the area.
Despite CENTCOM's assurances, concerns about the security of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz persist. The international community continues to monitor developments in the region closely, with many countries calling for de-escalation and dialogue to resolve the underlying issues between the US and Iran.
Key points
- The US Central Command denies Iranian claims of closing the Strait of Hormuz.
- Navigation through the strait continues under US and regional partners' control.
- The strait remains a critical passage for international trade, with significant implications for global oil supplies.
