Iran rejects US’ Strait of Hormuz shipping ‘traffic is flowing’ claim, insists it remains closed

Iran Disputes US Claim on Hormuz Traffic, Declares Passage Blocked

Iran rejects US Strait of Hormuz – In a recent escalation of the geopolitical dispute, Iran reiterated its claim that the Strait of Hormuz is fully closed to maritime movement, contradicting the US Central Command’s (CENTCOM) assertion that commercial traffic continues uninterrupted through the vital waterway. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), Iran’s official maritime regulatory body, stated the closure was a direct response to “recent illegal movements” of American military forces in the region.

PGSA Issues Permit Restrictions

The PGSA emphasized that vessels must secure transit permits from its website, http://PGSA.ir, before passage is allowed. “We hereby inform all esteemed applicants. Due to the recent illegal movements of the United States military forces in the region, passage through the Strait of Hormuz is currently not possible,” the authority said. It added that permits will be issued once regional stability is restored: “As soon as stability and calm are returned, all requests will be evaluated, and necessary approvals granted.”

“We appreciate your patience and cooperation,” the PGSA concluded.

CENTCOM Counters with Confidence

CENTCOM swiftly dismissed Iran’s stance, asserting that the strait remains open to international vessels. “Iran does not control the strait. Traffic is flowing,” the command stated. It further noted that US forces are deployed to guarantee freedom of navigation: “U.S. forces are positioned and prepared to ensure that freedom of navigation remains available despite unwarranted Iranian aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations.”

Warnings of Escalation

The IRGC Navy issued a stern warning to the US and its allies, cautioning against using the closure as a pretext for military strikes. “Should the aggressor enemy exploit this development… as a justification for another act of aggression, a forceful response will follow,” the statement warned. It attributed any further escalation to the United States, Israel, and nations hosting facilities allegedly used for operations against Iran.

Missile Attacks Across Gulf Nations

Iran launched missile and drone strikes against Gulf states hosting US military bases, intensifying the regional conflict. Alerts and air defense activations were reported in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar stated three individuals, including a child, were injured by debris from intercepted missiles, holding Tehran “fully legally responsible” for the attack. The UAE noted its defenses neutralized threats outside its borders, while other nations confirmed responses to Iranian strikes.

Diplomatic Tensions Intensify

As the standoff continues, Qatari diplomats are engaged in talks with Iran to ease tensions and revive stalled US-Iran negotiations. The conflicting claims over Hormuz’s status highlight rising uncertainty about the world’s busiest maritime chokepoint, which handles a significant portion of global oil shipments. The recent clashes mark a critical turning point in the conflict, intensifying fears for regional stability and energy supply chains.