U.S. military says southern Hormuz route remains open despite Iran’s announcement

LONDON, July 12– The U.S.-led Joint Maritime Information Center said on Sunday that despite Iran announcing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the southern route along the Omani coast remains available and has been expanded to accommodate two-way traffic.

The advisory, released by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, cited additional information from the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), which said the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and is not subject to coercion or control by any single nation.

“Despite Iran’s claims that the Strait is closed, U.S. forces are prepared to maintain freedom of navigation and safeguard lawful commerce,” NAVCENT said, adding that the southern route through the Strait remains open.