U.S. Central Command's post regarding Hormuz [Captured from U.S. Central Command's X account]

The U.S. military stated on the 12th (local time) that it is prepared to ensure the free passage of civilian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Iran does not exercise control over the waterway.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations in the Middle East, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that day, "The Strait of Hormuz is open to all vessels wishing to legally transit this international waterway."

It added, "The U.S. military is positioned and prepared to ensure freedom of navigation, despite Iran's attacks, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations."

While the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement that day declaring a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. Central Command's message is interpreted as emphasizing that Iran's blockade will not succeed and that the U.S. military will retaliate if Iran attacks civilian vessels.

In fact, Iran issued its statement after attacking a merchant vessel passing through the strait that day, and CENTCOM has resumed airstrikes on key military facilities in southern Iran.

CENTCOM stated, "Iran does not control this strait," adding that the maritime route remains open for the free passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM also reported that over the past two months, the U.S. military has facilitated the transit of more than 800 vessels and over 400 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, with more than 140 vessels passing through in the last week alone.

The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), recently established by the Iranian government to oversee transit through the Strait of Hormuz, issued a statement in response to CENTCOM, countering that "transit through the Strait of Hormuz is currently impossible due to the illegal movement of U.S. military forces."

The PGSA reiterated its claim that the Iranian authorities hold control over the strait, stating, "We intend to review all requests and issue necessary permits according to schedule as soon as the situation stabilizes and returns to calm."