The United States Central Command (United States Central Command) has stated that two US Navy vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz and conducted operations in the Arabian Gulf. However, Iran has firmly denied the claim, underscoring ongoing tensions in the strategically vital Middle Eastern waterway.
According to a statement released on Saturday, the US Navy destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen and USS Michael Murphy crossed the Strait of Hormuz and carried out operations in the Arabian Gulf. CENTCOM described the transit as part of a broader mission aimed at ensuring maritime security and verifying whether naval mines allegedly laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) had been fully cleared.
In an official statement, US Navy Admiral Brad Cooper characterised the presence of American vessels in the Strait of Hormuz as a significant milestone. He stated, “Today we begin the process of establishing a new passage and will soon share this secure maritime route with the shipping industry to encourage the free flow of commerce.” He added that the development could mark a substantial shift in regional maritime operations.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Approximately one-fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies transit through this narrow passage. In addition to energy resources, vast quantities of fertilisers and other commercial goods are transported via this route, making its security essential to global economic stability.
The developments follow heightened regional tensions. On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched a joint military strike against Iran, after which Tehran reportedly closed the Strait. The closure severely disrupted both commercial and military shipping, triggering a sharp rise in global energy prices.
Iran has rejected Washington’s claims regarding the transit. Shortly after CENTCOM’s announcement, a spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters dismissed the US statement. The official asserted that any movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz remains under the authority of Iran’s armed forces.
The spokesperson further warned that any attempt by foreign military ships to cross the waterway without authorisation would be met with a firm response from the IRGC, reiterating Iran’s stance on maintaining control over the strategic passage.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| US Command | United States Central Command (CENTCOM) |
| US Navy Vessels | USS Frank E. Petersen; USS Michael Murphy |
| Strategic Location | Strait of Hormuz |
| US Objective | Verification of maritime security and mine clearance |
| Iranian Authority | Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters |
| Iranian Position | Denial of US transit claim |
| Economic Importance | Roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas flows through the Strait |
| Escalation Trigger | Joint US–Israel strike on Iran on 28 February |
| Iranian Warning | IRGC threatened a “strong response” to unauthorised military passage |
This exchange of statements highlights the continuing geopolitical sensitivities surrounding one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.