U.S. Central Command Affirms Hormuz Strait Open; 800+ Vessels Transited in Past Two Months

According to U.S. Central Command, on July 12, the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all vessels exercising the right of transit through the international waterway. The U.S. military stated it is positioned and prepared to ensure freedom of navigation despite what it characterized as unlawful Iranian attacks, harassment, and threats.

The Central Command noted it supported the transit of over 800 vessels and more than 400 million barrels of crude oil over the past two months, with 140 vessels passing through in the preceding week. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the strait is closed and reported attacking a second vessel it accused of violating regulations in the waterway, contradicting U.S. assertions.