The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced this Saturday that a total of 55 merchant ships have transited the Strait of Hormuz throughout the day, a figure released before Iran announced the closure of this strategically important maritime route.
"Safe passage through the international maritime route remains intact today and 55 merchant ships have passed with a large quantity of goods and more than 17 million barrels of oil for global markets," CENTCOM indicated in an official statement.
In the note, the military command emphasizes that "US forces continue to operate in the general area in support of freedom of navigation." Likewise, it emphasizes that "US forces remain present and vigilant to ensure compliance with all aspects of the agreement with Iran, which are being obeyed with full force and effect."
CENTCOM also includes the notice issued by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), under the British Ministry of Defence, which emphasizes that "all ships" can pass "without arbitrary requirements or impediments."
The preliminary agreement reached last week between the United States and Iran contemplates the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the end of hostilities "on all fronts, including Lebanon." However, Israel, an ally of Washington, has carried out hundreds of bombings in Lebanese territory since Friday, which has led Tehran to announce the closure of Hormuz.
Despite the tension, both sides maintain open communication channels and high-level delegations are already traveling to Switzerland to resume talks this Sunday.