The United States said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all vessels and stressed that the American military is ready to help ensure freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.

U.S. officials linked the effort to ongoing steps to reduce dangers for merchant traffic, including mine-clearing operations and the creation of a safer route that allows ships to depart without staying close to the Iranian coast. They also indicated that more commercial ships have started moving again through the region, though shipping industry confidence may build gradually rather than return instantly to normal.

The U.S. position also reflects concerns about potential disruptions, including whether transit-related fees imposed by Iran would be treated as permissible “service fees” or as interference with passage through an international waterway.