U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on Saturday that commercial ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz increased that day while U.S. forces operated in the area to support freedom of navigation. The command affirmed that safe passage through the international waterway remained intact despite Iranian claims to the contrary
“Commercial ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz increased June 20 as U.S. forces continued operating in the general area to support freedom of navigation,” CENTCOM announced in a press release. “Safe passage through the international waterway remained intact today as 55 merchant ships transited, moving large amounts of cargo and more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets.”
The Joint Maritime Information Center issued an advisory affirming safe passage for all vessels along a designated route free of arbitrary requirement claims or impediments. U.S. forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect.
This assessment comes amid Iranian statements regarding the strait’s status. On Saturday morning, Iran’s joint military command announced that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed again, citing developments involving Israeli actions in Lebanon and alleged breaches of the recent U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding. CENTCOM has consistently maintained that commercial transit continues through established pathways.
Maritime tracking data and official statements indicate vessels have been moving following the June 17 memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. That interim agreement outlined steps including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for toll-free transit for at least 60 days, the lifting of certain U.S. measures, and the start of follow-on discussions.
Also on Saturday, Iranian state television, citing a foreign ministry spokesperson, reported that the country’s negotiating team would travel to Switzerland for discussions over the interim agreement. Earlier claims had referenced delays or postponements of the Swiss talks, originally scheduled around June 19, linked to renewed fighting involving Hezbollah and Israeli forces in Lebanon.
Despite those earlier indications of postponement, Iranian authorities proceeded with the announcement of the delegation’s travel.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. Prior to recent disruptions, typical daily transits exceeded 100 commercial vessels. The 55 merchant ships reported by CENTCOM on June 20 reflect ongoing traffic levels following the interim agreement.
CENTCOM’s most recent statement emphasized ongoing U.S. operational support for navigation without specifying restrictions or threats to commercial routing. The command referenced the Joint Maritime Information Center advisory as providing details on safe transit options.
Developments in the region continue to evolve, with diplomatic efforts focused on implementing the memorandum through technical discussions. Iranian officials have indicated the delegation’s dispatch to Switzerland proceeds in this context, even as differences persist over implementation and related regional events.
