Strait of Hormuz remains closed, CENTCOM does not control It, says Iranian military source

CAIRO – 22 July 2026: An Iranian military source denied statements by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the strategic waterway remains closed and calling American claims "baseless."

Speaking to the Iranian news agency Fars, the source stated that the Strait of Hormuz "will remain closed as long as the United States continues its hostile actions and military operations," adding that "it will not be reopened as long as this approach continues."

These remarks came in response to CENTCOM’s assertion that Iran does not control the strait. The Iranian source emphasized that managing maritime traffic through the waterway falls exclusively under Iran's jurisdiction.

CENTCOM had previously disputed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) statement claiming control over maritime traffic in the region. The U.S. command affirmed that the international waterway remains open to commercial vessels and that transit operations continue with U.S. military support.

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM called the IRGC Navy's claims that it regulates the entry and exit of ships "incorrect," stressing that Iran does not control the strait despite its threats and ongoing attacks.