The US Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected what it described as Iranian Revolutionary Guard claims of control over the entrances and exits of the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the international waterway remains open to navigation, and commercial ships continue to transit with support from US forces deployed in the region.

In a statement posted on the platform "X," CENTCOM said that the announcement by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy that it controls the entry and exit of ships from the strait, and that international ships can only use the routes designated by Tehran, is a "false claim."

It affirmed that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz, pointing out that the passage remains open to transit despite what it described as threats and attacks carried out by the Revolutionary Guard.

900 ships since May

CENTCOM clarified that commercial ships continue to use the strait normally, stating that its forces have helped more than 900 ships transit since the beginning of last May.

This exchange comes at a time of rising tensions in the region, with increasing concerns over the security of navigation in one of the world's most important maritime passages.

Lifeline of global energy

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for global energy trade, as about a fifth of the world's oil consumption passes through it, along with large quantities of liquefied natural gas, making any threat to navigation there a matter of wide international concern.

Over the past months, the strait has witnessed repeated incidents, including the seizure of oil tankers and attacks on commercial ships, amid mutual accusations between Iran, the United States, and Western countries over responsibility for those incidents.

The United States affirms that its military presence in the region aims to ensure freedom of navigation and protect international trade lines, while Iran considers the US military presence a factor exacerbating tensions, and says its naval forces are responsible for maintaining security in the Gulf waters.

There was no immediate comment from Iranian authorities on the US Central Command statement.