The US military has stated that commercial shipping is continuing through the Strait of Hormuz, directly contradicting recent assertions by Iranian officials that the waterway has been closed.
The statement, issued on Sunday, aims to reassure global markets and shipping operators that the critical energy chokepoint remains open for transit despite the latest escalation in Middle East hostilities.
This assertion comes as Iranian lawmakers and military figures have increasingly signaled a desire to assert administrative control over the strait, warning that vessels must adhere to approved routes or face forceful responses.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has previously confirmed that more than 800 commercial vessels have passed through the strait with US Navy assistance since early May, suggesting that while tensions are high, physical blockades have not materialized at scale.
For energy markets, the confirmation of open transit is a key factor in assessing the immediate supply risk.
While Brent crude prices have remained volatile due to geopolitical uncertainty, the absence of a total blockade has prevented a more severe supply shock.
However, the risk premium embedded in oil prices persists as long as the threat of disruption remains credible.