U.S.: Iran Does Not Control Strait of Hormuz; U.S. Forces Prepared to Ensure Freedom of Navigation

The U.S. military stated on July 12 (local time) that it is prepared to ensure the free passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that Iran does not exercise control over the waterway.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations in the Middle East, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that day, "The Strait of Hormuz remains open to all vessels seeking to transit this international waterway lawfully."

CENTCOM added, "U.S. forces are deployed and prepared to ensure freedom of navigation despite Iranian attacks, harassment, threats, or arbitrary declarations."

Although Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced in a statement that day that it would fully close the Strait of Hormuz again, CENTCOM's response is interpreted as a signal that the blockade will not take effect and that the U.S. military will retaliate if Iran attacks civilian vessels.

In fact, Iran issued the statement after attacking a merchant ship passing through the strait that day, and CENTCOM has resumed airstrikes on key military facilities in southern Iran.

CENTCOM stated, "Iran does not control this strait," and confirmed that the sea lanes remain open for the free passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM also reported that over the past two months, U.S. forces have supported the transit of more than 800 vessels and over 400 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, with more than 140 vessels passing through the strait in the past week alone.

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