Washington denies Iranian control of Hormuz; London warns of flight cancellations in the region.
Washington denies Iranian control of Hormuz; London warns of flight cancellations in the region.
2026-07-23
Shafaq News – Washington/London
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) denied on Wednesday evening that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy controls the movement of ships entering and exiting the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that international vessels can only use routes designated by the Revolutionary Guard, stressing that “this claim is incorrect.”
The command added in a statement seen by Shafaq News Agency that “Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz, and this international waterway remains open to traffic despite the threats and attacks of the Revolutionary Guard.”
She added that “commercial vessels continue to use the strait with the support of US military forces, and since early May, US forces have helped more than 900 ships pass through the strait.”
This comes in response to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s naval forces saying that the entrance and exit to the Strait of Hormuz are “under our complete control,” noting that alternative routes are “unsafe” and warning against their use.
Against the backdrop of recent developments, tensions in the region and the security situation, the British government has warned its citizens in Israel and Middle Eastern countries of the possibility of sudden disruptions to air traffic, including flight cancellations and the temporary closure of some airspaces.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, in a new update to its travel advice, said the security situation in the Middle East remains unstable and subject to rapid change, warning of the possibility of escalation or new attacks that could affect air traffic and travel between countries in the region.
The ministry urged British citizens to keep up with official updates and prepare for alternative travel plans, given the possibility of flights being cancelled or delayed, as well as the potential for airspace closures without prior notice.
It also urged travelers and visitors in the region to prepare for potential disruptions to transportation and air traffic, amid concerns that escalating regional tensions could affect the safety and security of air navigation.
The British warning comes at a time when Iran has escalated its threats, hinting at halting the flow of oil from the Gulf and targeting oil, gas, electricity and economic infrastructure in the region, should US President Donald Trump carry out his threats to bomb Iranian civilian infrastructure, considering that his repeated threats will only lead to the expansion of the war in the region and beyond.
Earlier today, Trump threatened to bomb Iranian civilian infrastructure every time Tehran fires on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump added in another statement: “We do not want to control the Strait of Hormuz, but we are forced to do what is necessary because Iran cannot be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.”
shafaq.com
