The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has stated that the Strait of Hormuz continues to be navigable, despite assertions from Iran about its closure. On June 20, the strait reportedly accommodated 55 commercial vessels transporting over 17 million barrels of oil to global markets.
According to CENTCOM, traffic through the strait increased on June 20, with military officials emphasizing their ongoing presence in the area to ensure the freedom of navigation. The Combined Maritime Forces issued a recommendation affirming safe passage for all vessels, free from arbitrary demands and obstacles.
Furthermore, CENTCOM noted that US forces remain vigilant in the region to uphold the terms of agreements with Iran.
Earlier on June 20, Iranian military officials claimed the strait was being closed again due to alleged violations of a memorandum of understanding by the US and Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
In a related context, on February 28, Israel conducted an attack on Tehran. Following this, former President Donald Trump announced the initiation of a significant military operation against Iran, citing the need to eliminate threats posed by the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of funding and training militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared it had launched missiles and drones towards Israel and targeted US military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for giving Iranians a chance to rid themselves of what he termed a ‘terrorist regime’ and to guarantee safety for all nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On February 28, Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had died, a statement later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
Subsequently, on March 1, the IRGC announced the commencement of a ‘devastating offensive operation’ against Israel and US bases. Trump warned Iran against these plans, threatening a strong retaliatory strike.
On March 6, Trump emphasized the need for a complete change in Iran’s leadership and mentioned potential candidates for a ‘good leader.’ On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the deceased Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader.
On March 26, Trump announced a pause in the destruction of Iranian energy facilities until April 6. However, due to a lack of progress in negotiations, he extended the deadline by 20 hours to the evening of April 7.
Trump threatened to destroy all bridges and power stations in Iran, warning of severe consequences for the Iranian people and potential destabilization in the region.
On April 6, Iran presented a 10-point plan to the US and Israel for ending the war through Pakistan.
On April 7, Trump agreed to delay bombings on Iran for two weeks, contingent upon the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that a ceasefire would be mutual, and Iran’s 10-point proposal could serve as a basis for negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz within two weeks would require coordination with Iranian armed forces and consideration of technical limitations.
On May 1, Trump informed Congress that hostilities between the US and Iran, initiated on February 28, had ceased, although American military presence would remain in the region.
On May 23, Trump revealed discussions with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain regarding a peace memorandum with Iran, which included provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
On June 18, the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East, conducted remotely. The document mandates an immediate halt to military operations, including actions in Lebanon, and calls for restraint from both parties in future interactions, with a final agreement expected within 60 days.
The US Central Command has confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for navigation, countering Iranian claims of its closure. On June 20, significant commercial traffic was recorded, with military officials emphasizing their commitment to maintaining safe passage in the region.