Strait of Hormuz: U.S. and Iran Clash Over Navigation Routes

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are engaged in a dispute over navigation routes in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM asserts that the strait is an international waterway and the IRGC has no authority to dictate routes, while the IRGC insists that international ships should only use routes prioritized by them. Despite these tensions, commercial ships continue to use the strait with U.S. military support. Since early May, CENTCOM forces have assisted approximately 1,000 ships and 500 million barrels of crude oil in passing through the narrow waterway.