US: "Iran Does Not Control the Strait of Hormuz"

CENTCOM Announces Statement on Social Media

On July 12 (local time), the U.S. military stated that it is prepared to ensure the safe passage of civilian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and emphasized that Iran does not control the strait.

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

They further stressed, "The U.S. military is deployed and maintains a heightened readiness posture to ensure freedom of navigation in the face of Iranian attacks, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations."

This statement was made in response to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran declaring a complete blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on the same day. CENTCOM asserted, "Iran does not control the strait," and clarified that navigation routes for civilian vessels remain open.

Earlier that day, after attacking a merchant ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran announced its blockade policy. In response, the U.S. military resumed airstrikes targeting major military facilities in southern Iran.

CENTCOM also made it clear that it would respond if Iran attacks civilian vessels or obstructs their passage. According to CENTCOM, over the past two months, the U.S. military has assisted more than 800 ships and over 400 million barrels of crude oil in transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Even in the past week alone, more than 140 vessels have passed through the strait.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.