US Central Command says Iran lacks authority to direct Hormuz shipping traffic

BAGHDAD, Iraq — US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has no authority to direct or restrict commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the waterway remains free and open under US military escort. CENTCOM reported that since the start of May, US forces have assisted the transit of roughly 1,000 vessels carrying approximately 500 million barrels of crude oil through the strait. The command also announced that a US Air Force F-16 fighter jet was conducting patrol flights over the Middle East, capable of air-to-air, air-to-ground, tactical reconnaissance and close air support missions. According to Reuters, an Iranian official said Tehran rejected an Omani proposal for joint administration of the strait. A US official responded that Iran was overstating its demands, which had been rejected by the United States, Oman and the international community. US President Donald Trump reiterated that the side controlling the strait is the United States, while Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the waterway has become part of Iran's national security. No further details on diplomatic talks were immediately available.