Conflicting claims over Strait of Hormuz as Iran says transit 'not possible', US says waterway open

Tehran, July 12 -- Conflicting statements have emerged over the status of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran and the United States issuing opposing claims over whether vessels can continue passing through the strategic waterway.

Iran's authority responsible for overseeing a new transit protocol for the strait said on Sunday that the passage of vessels was currently "not possible," shortly after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the waterway remained open to all vessels.

The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), an Iranian body tasked with managing transit arrangements, said the restriction was linked to what it described as recent US military movements in the region. "Due to the recent unlawful movements of United States military forces ...