Iran says it is closing Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM disputes claims
Iran’s military declared Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz is closed due to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, on the eve of detailed talks on a long-term peace deal.
Shortly afterward, U.S. Central Command said commercial traffic through the strait had actually increased.
“Commercial ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz increased June 20 as U.S. forces continued operating in the general area to support freedom of navigation,” CENTCOM said.
It added that safe passage through the waterway remained intact, with 55 merchant ships carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil and large amounts of cargo to global markets.
Iran accused Israel of violating a newly announced ceasefire with Hezbollah by continuing strikes in Lebanon. Israel, meanwhile, said the Tehran-backed militia broke the terms first.
