The United States military's Central Command (CENTCOM) reiterated the American position that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway that Iran has no right to control.
The command released a "fact check" late Thursday regarding Iranian claims over this key waterway.
"CLAIM: Iranian state media claims that passage through the Strait of Hormuz is only permitted through routes designated by Iran," CENTCOM wrote on X.
"TRUTH: Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz. Since early May, U.S. forces have helped facilitate the successful passage of over 800 merchant ships and 380 million barrels of crude oil through the vital international trade corridor," the U.S. command added.
Tehran has said it will impose tariffs on ships passing through the strait, a suggestion that has been opposed by most countries around the world.
About 20 percent of the world's crude oil and gas supplies pass through the strait, which has become a flashpoint between the United States and Iran.
Iran had virtually completely closed the Strait of Hormuz following the launch of the United States and Israel's attacks on the Islamic Republic on February 28.
