US forces say Strait of Hormuz stays open despite Iranian blockade
US Central Command says its navy has kept commercial traffic flowing through the Strait of Hormuz while enforcing a blockade against Iran.
US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins told reporters that US naval forces have maintained open commercial lanes in the Strait of Hormuz while simultaneously enforcing a blockade on Iranian maritime activity. Since early May, more than 900 million barrels of crude have been escorted through the waterway, and over 100 ships trying to violate the blockade were redirected. The US claims it cleared mines from the primary shipping routes weeks ago and remains vigilant to keep them clear.
In response to Iranian attacks, US forces have struck facilities belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, insisting no civilian targets were hit. Hawkins said recent Iranian missile strikes on US bases have not impaired operational capability and that US actions have significantly degraded Iran's naval and missile capacities.
Why it matters
The strait is a vital conduit for global oil supplies, and its openness affects worldwide energy markets.
How this story developed
- Aug 24 US Treasury warns of unprecedented sanctions as Iran threatens to halt Gulf oil flow
- Sep 13 Iraq seized a drone‑launching platform suspected of being used in the strike and dismissed the Maysan provincial commander.
- Sep 13 The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman, saying 13 of the 14 Indian crew have been rescued and search continues for the missing Indian national.
- Sep 13 Saudi east‑west oil pipeline shut after a drone strike.
- Sep 13 Houthis allege Saudi forces carried out more than 50 attacks on their targets in a single day.
- Sep 14 Oman hosts a Gulf meeting on Hormuz while Bahrain refuses to participate.
- Sep 14 In a post on X, the European Commission President condemned the Houthi assault on Saudi and American military sites, calling it an act of aggression. She stressed that the EU will continue cooperating with Gulf partners to ensure secure, free shipping through the Hormuz Strait. The statement also highlighted the broader goal of Middle-East stability, which the EU views as a shared interest. The Houthi group claimed to have launched dozens of ballistic missiles and drones, citing retaliation for Saudi air strikes in Yemen. Saudi officials responded by ordering air patrols in several southern regions.
- Sep 14 Iranian cargo vessel hit near Qeshm Island, killing one crew member and prompting Oman to delay the Hormuz talks.
- Sep 15 Houthi forces reported seizing the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands.
- Sep 15 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met President Abdel Fattah al‑Sisi in Cairo to discuss Red Sea navigation and retaliation against the Houthis.
- Sep 15 Trump asserted the war could end right after the November midterm elections.
- Sep 16 Saudi civil defense issued emergency shelter warnings for Jeddah, Mecca and Taif.
- Sep 16 Saudi Arabia announced the cancellation of September crude cargoes to Europe.
- Sep 16 Saudi coalition announced a drone it said was Houthi‑linked was heading toward Mecca and triggered a brief security alert.
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