Iran rejects US shipping claim Strait of Hormuz ‘traffic is flowing’, insists it remains closed | Today’s news
Iran has reaffirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to maritime traffic, directly contradicting US Central Command’s (CENTCOM) assertion that shipping is moving normally through the strategic waterway.
The latest exchange marks a sharp escalation in the war of words between Tehran and Washington over one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
The Persian Gulf Straits Authority (PGSA), Iran’s official maritime body responsible for regulating transit through the Strait of Hormuz, said the passage was closed due to what it described as “recent illegal movement” of US military forces in the region.
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Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed due to “recent illegal movements” of US military forces in the region and says it will reopen when regional stability is restored.
Vessels can obtain permission to pass through the Strait of Hormuz through Iran’s official maritime authority, the Persian Gulf Straits Authority (PGSA), upon application through its website at http://PGSA.ir.
By stating that traffic is smooth, US Central Command is indicating that the strait is open to international shipping, countering Iran’s claims and emphasizing its military presence to ensure freedom of navigation.
Tensions escalated after Iran reportedly attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting US military strikes against Iranian military targets in response.
Yes, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could significantly affect global energy markets, as it is a critical transit route for about a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas.
The authority said vessels will only be allowed to pass through with a transit permit issued by the PGSA once regional stability returns.
“This is to inform all esteemed applicants. Due to recent illegal movements of United States military forces in the region, passage through the Strait of Hormuz is currently not possible.”
The authority added: “Once stability and calm are restored, all applications will be reviewed according to the schedule and the necessary permits will be issued.”
PGSA also said that transit permits can only be obtained through its official website.
“The only way to get a transit permit is through the website. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.”
CENTCOM: “Iran does not control the strait”
Iran’s statement came shortly after US Central Command rejected Tehran’s claims and insisted the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping.
In a post on X, CENTCOM said U.S. forces are deployed to protect freedom of navigation despite what it calls Iranian threats and harassment.
“The Strait of Hormuz is open to all vessels wishing to legally pass through the international waterway.”
CENTCOM added that US forces are ready to ensure maritime security.
“US forces are positioned and ready to ensure that freedom of navigation remains available despite Iran’s unwarranted aggression, harassment, threats and arbitrary statements.”
It also rejected Iranian authority over the strategic waterway.
“Iran does not control the strait. Traffic is flowing.”
Warning of further military action
The IRGC Navy also warned the United States and its allies against using the closure of the waterway as justification for further military operations against Iran.
“Should an aggressor enemy use this development… as a pretext to commit another act of aggression against us, it will be met with a strong response and other enemy bases in the region will be targeted.”
The statement went on to say that responsibility for any escalation would rest with the United States, Israel and countries hosting military facilities allegedly used for operations against Iran.
Diplomatic efforts continue
The latest confrontation comes as Qatari negotiators in Iran seek to reduce tensions and create conditions for the resumption of US-Iranian talks following a recent military escalation.
Conflicting claims by Tehran and Washington over the status of the Strait of Hormuz underscore the growing uncertainty around one of the world’s busiest maritime hubs, through which a significant share of global oil supplies pass.
Read also | US launches new strikes on Iran after tensions escalate in Hormuz
The US and Iran are trading heavy blows as the Gulf conflict widens
The United States and Iran traded heavy missile and drone strikes on Sunday, with Tehran targeting US-linked facilities across the Persian Gulf, while insisting the Strait of Hormuz remains closed despite Washington’s claims that commercial shipping continues to move through the strategic waterway.
The latest round of hostilities represents one of the most significant escalations to date in the conflict and raises new concerns about regional stability, global energy supplies and the future of diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Iran targets Gulf states that host US forces
Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against several countries where US military installations are located, widening the conflict across the region.
Missile alerts and air defense activations were reported in:
Qatar said three people, including a child, were injured by falling debris from intercepted Iranian missiles and held Tehran “fully legally responsible” for the attack.
The UAE said its air defenses intercepted missile and drone threats outside its borders, while Bahrain, Jordan and Oman also reported intercepting or responding to Iranian attacks.
Kuwait later reported damage caused by the strikes, including an attack on an oil rig that injured a worker.
US launches new attacks on Iran
The renewed regional attacks came after another round of US military operations targeting Iran.
US Central Command reported that US forces struck approximately 140 Iranian military targets, including:
Communication infrastructure
Other military facilities
According to Washington, the campaign is intended to reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media reported explosions in several southern port cities and said an Iranian military officer was killed in the strikes.
Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island are attacked
Iranian media reported explosions around the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas and the nearby island of Qeshm, both located near the Strait of Hormuz.
The attacks reportedly coincided with another wave of US strikes as Iran continued its retaliatory operations elsewhere in the Persian Gulf.
Ceasefire under increasing pressure
The renewed fighting has put the interim US-Iran deal struck last month under severe pressure.
The agreement created a 60-day framework for negotiations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the conflict.
However, repeated military exchanges undermined diplomatic efforts.
US President Donald Trump recently said he considers the ceasefire effectively over, although Washington continues to leave the door open for further negotiations.
Iran warns: ‘Keep your word or pay the price’
Despite ongoing mediation efforts involving Oman, Qatar and Pakistan, Tehran’s rhetoric has hardened.
Iranian Parliament Speaker and Chief Negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X:
“The era of one-sided deals is OVER.”
And he added: “We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality knocks.”
The latest exchanges have heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, with the Strait of Hormuz – through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally pass – remaining at the center of an escalating confrontation between Tehran and Washington.
Read also | Ceasefire ends, but US and Iran agree to keep talking, says Trump
