▲ Strait of Hormuz
As Iran announced a re-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, citing violations of a ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) by the United States and Israel, the U.S. military stated on Friday (June 20) that it would remain vigilant to ensure the agreement to keep the strait open is upheld.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East, stated on X that day, "U.S. forces remain in the region and maintain vigilance to ensure that the agreement with Iran is observed, implemented, and remains fully in effect."
CENTCOM also stated, "As U.S. forces continue to conduct operations to support freedom of navigation, merchant vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz increased on the 20th."
CENTCOM explained that 55 merchant vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on that day alone, transporting large-scale cargo and more than 17 million barrels of crude oil.
While the U.S.-Iran MOU includes the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian military announced on the same day that it was re-blocking the strait, claiming that the U.S. and Israel had violated the agreement.
CENTCOM's statement is interpreted as a reaffirmation of the U.S. military's commitment to continue supporting freedom of navigation in the region and monitoring the implementation of the MOU, despite Iran's announcement of a re-blockade.
Iran announced the re-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after Israel continued airstrikes in Lebanon targeting the pro-Iranian militant group Hezbollah, even after the MOU—which stipulates a cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon—had taken effect.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.