Overview
The Strait of Hormuz remains open for navigation, despite a statement from Iran that it had closed the passage. On 12 July 2026, the United States CENTCOM used its official X account to assert that traffic is flowing and that the waterway is an international waterway. The claim directly challenged a statement by the IRGC, which said the strait was being closed.
Key Developments
- Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as part of a broader retaliation against recent U.S. strikes.
- CENTCOM posted that ships continue to transit and that the waterway remains open.
- The Iranian IRGC warned of further actions if the United States persists with strikes.
- U.S. forces stationed in the region affirmed they are ready to keep the passage free for navigation.
Important Facts
- Approximately 20% of global oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The claim of closure came after a series of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian targets earlier in July 2026.
- Iran also launched attacks on U.S.-aligned Gulf states, raising the risk of a wider regional co