WASHINGTON: The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has said that commercial shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz increased on Saturday, with 55 merchant vessels passing through the key international waterway.
In a statement, CENTCOM said safe passage through the strait remained intact as the vessels transported large amounts of cargo, including more than 17 million barrels of oil destined for global markets.
The US military said it continues to maintain a “present and vigilant” posture in the region to ensure that all aspects of the agreement with Iran are followed.
The statement came shortly after Iran announced that the strategic waterway had been closed, citing what it described as Israeli “crimes” in Lebanon and a US violation of commitments related to establishing a ceasefire.