Iran's Hormuz Closure Threat Crumbles As 55 Ships Sail Through Straits

Iran's Hormuz Closure Threat Crumbles As 55 Ships Sail Through Straits

US CENTCOM Rejects Tehran's Claim

Iran's latest threat to shut down the Strait of Hormuz appeared to unravel within hours on Saturday as the United States declared that commercial shipping remained fully operational through the world's most important oil chokepoint.

The confrontation erupted after Iran's military command announced it was closing the strategic waterway, accusing Israel of violating the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon and warning that further retaliation could follow.

But U.S. Central Command quickly pushed back, insisting Tehran had neither halted maritime traffic nor gained control of the vital shipping lane.

"Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins said. "Traffic continues to flow, and U.S. forces are monitoring the situation to ensure this remains the case."

Tankers Keep Moving

CENTCOM revealed that 55 merchant vessels successfully passed through the strait during the day, transporting more than 17 million barrels of oil and large volumes of cargo to international markets.

The statement was a direct challenge to Tehran's claim that the waterway had been shut.

"Safe passage through the international waterway remained intact today," CENTCOM said. "U.S. forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect."

The figures suggest global trade and energy supplies continue to move despite Iran's latest warning.

World's Energy Lifeline

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly a fifth of the world's oil supplies and remains one of the most strategically important waterways on the planet.

Any genuine closure would likely send global energy prices soaring, disrupt supply chains and trigger a major international crisis.

That is why Tehran's threats are watched closely by governments and energy markets around the world.

Iran Doubles Down

Despite the continued flow of shipping, Iran's military headquarters insisted the closure order remained in effect.

State television carried a warning that "further steps" had been prepared if what it described as Israeli aggression continued.

Yet the reality on the water appeared very different, with tankers and cargo vessels continuing their journeys largely uninterrupted under the watch of U.S. naval forces.

Diplomacy Or Escalation?

In a sign that Tehran may still be seeking a diplomatic solution, Iranian state media later reported that negotiators were travelling to Switzerland to press Washington over what it claims are unfulfilled commitments under the interim peace agreement.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bagahei indicated that future talks would depend on whether Iran believes the United States is honouring its side of the deal.

Threats Meet Reality

The latest standoff highlights a growing gap between Iran's rhetoric and its ability to enforce threats against global shipping.

While Tehran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, dozens of commercial vessels continued to pass through unhindered and oil exports kept flowing to international markets.

For now, despite Iran's dramatic declaration, the world's most important energy corridor remains firmly open.

SOURCE