CENTCOM rejects Iran’s claim to control the Strait of Hormuz, saying U.S. and regional forces moved more than 19 million barrels of crude on Monday

The U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ claim that Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, saying U.S. forces and regional partners had helped move more than 19 million barrels of crude oil through the waterway on Monday. In a post on X, CENTCOM also said the IRGC navy commander “has no navy.”

The exchange followed remarks by IRGC Navy Rear Admiral Ali Azmaei, who told state television that Iranian forces were waiting for U.S. warships to approach the entrance to the strait so they could sink them. He said they were counting down to an encounter, and asserted that U.S. warships did not dare approach. Azmaei also alleged that an American aircraft carrier had retreated 700 kilometres from the waterway.

Azmaei said the IRGC exercises “smart control” over the corridor by issuing transit permits, and that Iranian forces were better prepared than they had been at the outbreak of the war. Tehran has asserted control over maritime transit and warned ships against using unauthorised routes since the conflict began in late February, following U.S. and Israeli strikes. Washington responded by imposing a counterblockade on Iranian ports.

The rhetoric coincided with reports of new incidents at sea. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said on Tuesday that projectiles of unknown origin struck a commercial tanker and a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The agency said an official inquiry was underway but did not disclose whether there were casualties or the extent of the damage.