As Iran declared it would reblock the Strait of Hormuz, citing a violation of the U.S.-Israel memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war, the U.S. military said it would monitor the strait's openness and the implementation of the agreement.
U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said on the 20th (local time) on X that "U.S. forces are deployed locally and remain vigilant to ensure the agreement with Iran is observed and fully implemented."
It added, "While continuing operations to support freedom of navigation, there was an increase in merchant traffic transiting the Strait of Hormuz today." According to Central Command, 55 merchant ships passed through the strait that day, transporting large volumes of cargo and more than 17 million barrels of crude oil.
Meanwhile, Iran declared a reblockade of the strait that day, saying the United States and Israel violated the agreement. It cited Israel's continued airstrikes targeting Hezbollah, a pro-Iran armed group, even after the MOU took effect.