Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The United States Central Command has confirmed that American forces maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring that maritime traffic continues to flow despite Iranian attempts at a blockade, the White House stated.
The military has cleared Iranian mines from international shipping lanes, allowing nearly 1,500 commercial vessels to transit the Strait under U.S. protection and facilitating the transport of approximately 750 million barrels of crude oil globally. Since the blockade began in July, Iran has exported no oil through the Strait, and about 75 vessels attempting to break the blockade have been turned back. Gulf oil exports have recovered to roughly two-thirds of pre-blockade levels and continue to rise, according to the statement.
President Trump repeatedly asserted U.S. control throughout August, saying the U.S. Navy has established a "steel wall" blockade and effectively controls the Strait, permitting only authorized vessels to pass. He emphasized that the Strait remains open and functional, with substantial oil shipments ongoing.
Former Deputy National Security Advisor KT McFarland commented that Iran overplayed its hand with the closure attempt, and that efforts by various countries to develop alternative routes, along with increased U.S. exports, have undercut Iran's leverage. Similarly, experts including West Point Chair John Spencer and United Against Nuclear Iran Policy Director Jason Brodsky have stated that Iran's claims of closing the Strait are false and that the blockade is effective in reducing Iran’s economic capacity and revenue. Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Rebeccah Heinrichs noted there is a campaign to mislead regarding the conflict's status, but evidence supports U.S. control.
These assessments support U.S. officials' claims that the naval blockade is robust and the Strait of Hormuz remains a vital passage for global oil exports without Iranian interference.