Key facts
- The U.S. military's Central Command stated Iran's claim of closing the Strait of Hormuz is false.
- The Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial vessel transit.
- Iran claimed it had stopped two vessels exiting the Strait of Hormuz and turned back four other tankers.
- U.S. Central Command reported redirecting 30 commercial vessels and disabling two during an alleged blockade.
- The U.S. military permitted nearly 30 ships to pass through the blockade for humanitarian aid.
- Maritime analytics firm Kpler reported a 77% day-on-day drop in Strait of Hormuz traffic to five vessels.
- Traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb remained steady with 47 vessel crossings.
The U.S. military's Central Command has refuted claims made by the Iranian government that the Strait of Hormuz is closed, asserting that the waterway remains open for commercial transit. Maritime analytics firm Kpler reported a significant 77% day-on-day drop in vessel crossings through the Strait of Hormuz, with only five ships recorded, all utilizing the Iranian Unilateral Scheme. This indicates reduced operational confidence among shipping operators. In contrast, traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb strait remained steady with 47 crossings, despite ongoing activity from sanctioned vessels. Earlier, Iran had stated its forces intervened to stop two vessels exiting the Strait and turned back four tankers. U.S. Central Command reported redirecting 30 commercial vessels and disabling two, while permitting nearly 30 ships for humanitarian aid. British Secretary of State Ed Miliband and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah bin Zayed discussed protecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.