Washington, August 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has said that the southern route through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial shipping, despite what it described as continued Iranian aggression. It also stated that US forces have assisted more than 1,000 commercial vessels in safely transiting the international waterway over the past three months.
In a post on X, CENTCOM said the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz continues to remain accessible to all commercial vessels and that US forces have facilitated the safe passage of more than 1,000 ships despite what it termed “unwarranted Iranian aggression.”
The statement comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Gulf, where concerns over maritime security and the uninterrupted movement of global trade have intensified. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest and most strategically significant shipping lanes.
CENTCOM also highlighted its ongoing maritime operations in the region, saying a US sailor was on watch aboard the USS Boxer (LHD 4) as the amphibious assault ship operated in regional waters in support of the US blockade against Iran. According to the command, as of August 4, US forces had redirected 45 commercial vessels, disabled two and boarded another two to ensure compliance.
Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington was engaged in discussions with Iran and expressed hope that an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached within days.
Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said there was a possibility of securing a deal “today or tomorrow” that would reopen the waterway and help restore normal maritime activity in the region. Asked whether Iran would be permitted to impose tolls on ships using the strait, he replied that the arrangement would ensure “freedom of movement.”
Bessent added that reopening the route would allow hundreds of vessels currently stranded in the Gulf to resume operations, easing pressure on global shipping and contributing to lower commodity prices. He noted that the disruption had affected not only energy supplies but also fertilisers, refined petroleum products and industrial gases.
Separately, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the immediate priority for Washington was reopening the Strait of Hormuz, even as the administration continued pursuing its long-term objective of Iran’s denuclearisation through diplomatic engagement.
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