U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday directly contradicted assertions from the Iranian government that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.

“CLAIM: Once again, the Iranian government claims it has closed the Strait of Hormuz. This is FALSE,” CENTCOM stated. “FACT: The Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial vessel transit. Iran does not control it. Thousands of ships have sailed through the international waterway over the past four months.”

The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region following recent U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and ongoing exchanges between Iran and the United States. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most important maritime routes, with roughly one-fifth of global oil passing through it daily.

Iran has a history of threatening to close the strait during periods of confrontation, though such actions have rarely materialized into a full blockade due to international naval presence and the strait’s strategic importance.

CENTCOM’s clarification aims to reassure global shipping and energy markets that transit remains unimpeded despite Iranian rhetoric. No immediate independent verification of disruptions to commercial shipping was reported in major outlets following the latest claims. 

The situation continues to evolve as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain elevated.