Strait of Hormuz crisis: 17 million barrels pass as US dismisses closure reports
Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz (Photo: Getty Images)
Commercial shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains open, and the traffic intensity increased on Saturday, June 20. US military forces continue to ensure freedom of navigation in the region and monitor compliance with the agreement with Iran, states the US Central Command.
According to the US command, safe passage through the international waterway is fully ensured.
Over the course of 24 hours, 55 merchant vessels transited the strait, carrying large volumes of cargo and over 17 million barrels of oil to global markets.
The command notes that the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) issued an official recommendation this week confirming the safety of passage for all vessels along the designated route.
US military forces, according to the announcement, remain on the ground and maintain vigilance to ensure full, strict, and effective compliance with all aspects of the signed agreement with Iran.
On Saturday, June 20, Iran's military command (the "Khatam al-Anbiya" Central Headquarters) once again announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to navigation. Tehran justified its move by claiming a clear violation by the US of the first point of the memorandum and the ongoing Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon.
In addition, the US may impose its own tariffs and fees on ships transiting the strategically important waterway if the planned peace negotiations with Iran fail. US President Donald Trump threatened to impose such fees as a payment for the Guardian Angel's services to the countries of the Middle East.
