US says Iran not controlling Strait of Hormuz, transit remains open

BAGHDAD, Iraq — U.S. Central Command spokesman Tim Hawkins told reporters that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz and that the waterway remains open to commercial vessels, adding that the U.S. military is working seriously to ensure freedom of navigation through the strategic passage. Hawkins said Iran had violated a ceasefire and fired on commercial ships, calling the attacks "unjustifiable." He said the United States had struck Iranian targets to hold Tehran accountable for its actions in the strait, adding that the strikes did not cause significant damage. He also said Iran's capacity to use force beyond its borders had been "largely degraded," though parts of its drone and missile capabilities remain intact, and that U.S. forces continue to prepare for possible decisions regarding Iran. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that the United States had "clearly notified" Tehran that the ceasefire was over. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said the security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains high and warned mariners to exercise caution in areas where mine risk has been reported. Reuters reported that Iranian forces attacked U.S. military facilities in the Gulf after the American strikes on Iranian coastal areas.