US says southern route through Strait of Hormuz remains open, over 1,000 vessels assisted

In a post on X, US CENTCOM said, “The southern route through the Strait of Hormuz remains free and open for all commercial vessels seeking to transit the international waterway. Over the past three months, U.S. forces have assisted more than 1,000 vessels in successfully transiting the strait despite unwarranted Iranian aggression, and these transits continue today.” The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. As of Aug. 4, U.S. forces have redirected 45 commercial vessels, disabled 2 and boarded 2 to ensure compliance.” Responding to a question on whether Iran would be allowed to levy tolls on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, Bessent said, “It would be freedom of movement.”