CENTCOM: Strait of Hormuz open despite 'arbitrary' Iranian declarations
United States Central Command on Sunday reiterated that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz, saying the strategic shipping lane remained open "to all vessels seeking to lawfully transit." "U.S. forces are positioned and…
Assessment
CENTCOM is publicly pushing back against an Iranian declaration that the Strait of Hormuz is closed, asserting that U.S. forces are ready to keep the waterway open. The dispute escalates a confrontation already involving U.S. airstrikes on Iran. The immediate question is whether Iran will attempt to enforce its closure order, which could trigger a direct military clash.