**Title: US Military Asserts Strait of Hormuz Remains Open Amid Iranian Blockade**
**Date: September 16, 2026**
The United States military has declared that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial shipping, despite ongoing Iranian maritime trade blockades and military actions against commercial vessels in the region. This assertion was made by US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command (CENTCOM), during a recent interview.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil transportation, has seen significant tension as Iran has increased its military presence and conducted attacks on commercial shipping. However, Captain Hawkins emphasized that US forces have successfully facilitated the transit of over 900 million barrels of crude oil through the strait since early May, ensuring that traffic continues to flow.
Hawkins stated, “We have redirected more than 100 ships that were trying to violate the blockade,” indicating that US forces are actively monitoring and managing maritime activities in the area. He further noted that US military operations have included clearing mines from primary shipping lanes, which were completed several weeks ago. “We remain vigilant. We remain present and watchful to ensure those lanes stay clear,” he added.
The CENTCOM spokesperson rejected claims that Iran has control over the strategic waterway, asserting that the US military's presence has been crucial in maintaining safe passage for commercial vessels. “The strait is open. Those lanes are open. And that is why commercial vessels continue to flow through them,” Hawkins affirmed.
This statement comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, with both nations making competing claims regarding their influence over the Strait of Hormuz. The US military's operations have been met with scrutiny, particularly following recent incidents involving civilian casualties. Earlier this month, US military actions reportedly targeted the city of Kuhestak in southern Iran, where a wedding ceremony was struck, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
In response to concerns about civilian harm, Hawkins maintained that the US military adheres strictly to the laws of armed conflict and that its operations have focused on military targets, specifically facilities associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. “We have never targeted civilians during our operations,” he stated, emphasizing the military's commitment to minimizing civilian impact.
The ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz is critical not only for regional stability but also for the global energy market, as a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes through this narrow passage. The US military's efforts to keep the strait open are seen as essential to ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy resources.
As tensions continue to escalate, the international community is closely monitoring developments in the region, with the potential for further confrontations between US and Iranian forces. The situation remains fluid, and the implications for global trade and security are significant as both nations navigate their complex relationship in this strategically important area.
The US military's commitment to maintaining open shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz will likely remain a focal point in discussions surrounding maritime security and regional stability in the coming months.