The United States has rejected claims that Iran has taken control of the Strait of Hormuz, as commercial shipping activity through the strategic waterway continues to improve.
According to U.S. Central Command spokesman Tim Hawkins, the U.S. military has assisted commercial vessels in transporting more than 900 million barrels of crude oil through the strait since May.
Hawkins also reported that maritime traffic in the area is gradually returning to more normal levels.
He added that U.S. forces have effectively blocked access to Iranian ports, forcing vessels attempting to approach the facilities to turn away.
Meanwhile, CENTCOM denied allegations from Iran that U.S. military operations in the area have deliberately targeted civilians.
(Photo Courtesy: AP)
