Trump: Hormuz open to commercial traffic

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday, July 12, that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping, despite ongoing exchanges of attacks between the United States and Iran that have heightened concerns about safety along one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.

His remarks were made during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press.

On Saturday night (July 11), Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic, citing attempts by other countries to influence the situation in the area. The announcement came amid a new round of strikes exchanged between U.S. and Iranian forces.

However, the Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC), operating under the auspices of the U.S. Navy, said on Sunday that the southern shipping lane through the strait, running near Oman, remains open to vessels.

United States Central Command also stated that American forces are prepared to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

By Tamilla Hasanova