U.S. officials on Saturday rejected Iran’s claim that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, saying the strategically important waterway remained open and that American forces were watching conditions closely.
In comments to Reuters, U.S. Central Command spokesperson Navy Captain Tim Hawkins said Iran does not control the strait. He added that maritime traffic continued to move through the area and that U.S. forces were monitoring developments to help ensure that remains the case.
The statement followed an announcement from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which said earlier Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz had been shut and warned ships not to approach. The opposing accounts created uncertainty over the status of one of the world’s most closely watched shipping routes and raised questions about the direction of U.S.-Iran relations.
The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a major passage for global energy shipments. Any disruption there can draw international attention because of its potential impact on oil markets, commercial shipping, and regional security. For that reason, claims about its closure are often monitored closely by governments, shipping companies, and energy traders.
The reported dispute comes amid a fragile ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. That agreement was intended to create space for more detailed peace talks, according to the Reuters report. Iran’s declaration, if acted upon, could complicate those efforts and increase pressure on both sides to clarify their intentions.
For now, the U.S. position is that the strait remains open and that vessels are continuing to transit the area. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has issued a contrasting message, warning ships away. With both governments presenting different accounts, the immediate focus is likely to remain on verified shipping activity, military monitoring, and whether the ceasefire framework can withstand the latest tensions.