US Rejects Iran’s Claim of Strait of Hormuz Closure, Says Key Waterway Remains Open
US Rejects Iran’s Claim of Strait of Hormuz Closure, Says Key Waterway Remains Open
The United States has dismissed Iran’s claim that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, insisting the strategic waterway remains open to international shipping despite fresh military clashes between the two countries.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz had been shut indefinitely following another confrontation with the US, saying the route would remain closed until American military interventions in the region end.
However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) quickly disputed the claim, stating that the strait remains open and that American forces are ensuring freedom of navigation for all lawful vessels.
The latest tensions erupted after Iran allegedly attacked a Cyprus-flagged commercial ship in the strait, accusing it of violating approved transit routes. The vessel caught fire, forcing its crew to abandon ship.
In response, the US launched another wave of airstrikes, reportedly targeting about 140 locations across Iran in what officials described as the third round of military action this week.
Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Jask, Qeshm Island and Khuzestan Province, with at least one Iranian soldier reported killed.
US President Donald Trump said Iran had jeopardised ongoing diplomatic efforts by attacking the commercial vessel.
“They were giving up everything, and then all of a sudden two hours after that they hit a ship with a drone,” Trump said.
Iran retaliated by launching attacks that triggered air raid sirens in Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar reported three injuries, while Jordan confirmed that three Iranian missiles landed within its territory. Iran also claimed it struck US-related facilities in Oman, prompting Muscat to summon the Iranian ambassador in protest.
Meanwhile, the attack on the Cyprus-flagged ship left one Indian sailor missing, while Omani authorities rescued 23 crew members from another affected vessel.
The renewed confrontation comes as Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, continues to vow revenge for the killing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the US-Israeli strikes earlier this year, raising fears of further escalation across the Middle East.
