US President Trump Affirms Open Status of Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions with Iran
Strait of Hormuz Remains Open for Commercial Shipping
On Sunday, President Donald Trump of the United States stated that the Strait of Hormuz is accessible for commercial shipping, despite ongoing hostilities between the US and Iran that have raised alarms regarding safety in this crucial oil transport corridor. Trump asserted that Iran had agreed to what he termed a 'perfect deal' with the US, only to launch a drone strike on a commercial ship shortly after the agreement was made.
During an interview on NBC's Meet the Press, Trump remarked, 'They agreed to a deal yesterday. A perfect deal for us. No nuclear. They gave up everything. And then after that, they left the room, and within an hour they launched a drone at a ship.'
These comments followed a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which confirmed that the strategic waterway remains open for international shipping. CENTCOM emphasized on social media that the vital oil route is available for all vessels legally navigating the international waters and highlighted that US forces are stationed in the area to protect navigation rights.
In a post on X, CENTCOM stated, 'The Strait of Hormuz is open to all vessels seeking to lawfully transit the international waterway. U.S. forces are positioned and prepared to ensure that freedom of navigation remains available despite unwarranted Iranian aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations.' They also dismissed Tehran's claims of control over the strait, asserting that commercial traffic continues to flow normally.
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The US military command criticized Iran for what it termed 'unwarranted aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations,' reaffirming its dedication to maintaining uninterrupted maritime traffic through the strait.
Earlier, Iran announced that it considers the Strait of Hormuz closed again after a vessel was fired upon for using an 'unauthorized route,' further complicating the fragile ceasefire with the US. The US has not yet commented on this closure.
This announcement came after a meeting between the foreign ministers of Iran and Oman on Saturday to discuss the strait. Oman has proposed a plan to manage traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through two separately controlled routes, as reported by CNN.
According to the draft agreement, both routes would remain open. The Southern Corridor, which passes through Omani waters, would allow free navigation under pre-war conditions, while vessels using the Northern Corridor, through Iranian waters, would need prior approval from Iran, although no tolls would be charged.
Before the conflict began on February 28, approximately 20% of all traded oil and natural gas passed through the strait. Iran's control over this critical passage and the US naval blockade during the war have contributed to a global energy crisis, although oil prices have significantly decreased from wartime peaks of $120 per barrel.