Tensions between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz are escalating. After Iran declared it would again close the strait, the United States countered on the 12th (local time) that the strait is open to all vessels.
U.S. Central Command said on X (formerly Twitter) that "the Strait of Hormuz is open to all vessels lawfully transiting an international waterway," adding, "U.S. forces are deployed and postured to ensure freedom of navigation despite Iran's attacks, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations." It added, "Iran does not control the strait."
Earlier, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement saying it would reimpose a closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It attacked a Cypriot-flagged civilian ship transiting the strait. U.S. Central Command launched airstrikes on key Iranian military facilities in retaliation.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority said, "Due to the recent illegal movement of U.S. troops, transit through the Strait of Hormuz is currently impossible." The implication is that Iran holds control over the strait. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority was recently launched by the Iranian government to manage transit through the strait. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is known as the route for about one-fifth of the world's seaborne crude oil.