US Central Command says southern Strait of Hormuz corridor open to all ships

BAGHDAD, Iraq — US Central Command announced that the southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz is open to all commercial vessels, adding that over the past three months US forces have assisted more than 1,000 ships in transiting the waterway despite what it described as Iranian aggression. Command officials said the operations remain ongoing. The strategic waterway had been largely closed following a war that began in late February. Central Command said it has continued to facilitate shipping through the corridor during the conflict and is maintaining its presence in the area. Washington maintains that a memorandum of understanding signed with Tehran in June to halt the war required Iran to reopen the strait. Tehran argues the text gives it clear authority over shipping traffic in the waterway. The differing interpretations of the agreement reflect the broader dispute over the strait's status, with both sides continuing to contest control of the corridor.