ALWAGHT- Iran’s armed forces spokesman has dismissed recent US statements concerning the Strait of Hormuz as unfounded, asserting that Tehran retains the strategic initiative in the vital waterway.
Iranian armed forces spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi rejected claims by the US Central Command that American forces had facilitated the passage of more than one billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz over two months. He described the statements as a psychological operation and said Iran retains the initiative in the strategic waterway.
US CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said US forces had protected more than 2,000 commercial vessels and cleared primary shipping lanes of mines. Iran, however, maintains that Washington’s actions have violated a June memorandum of understanding that assigned responsibility for reopening and managing the strait to Tehran.
Iran subsequently declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all traffic following renewed US airstrikes and a naval blockade. Shipping through the waterway has since fallen sharply, while oil prices have risen, with Tehran saying reopening depends on Washington fulfilling its commitments under the agreement.
