Col. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, said all ships have the right to safe, unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
This assertion comes as a strategic move to reinforce the principle of freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf. The region remains a critical global transit point for energy exports, making any disruption to maritime traffic a significant risk to international economic stability.
Speaking on April 20, 2026 [1], Hawkins said that the right to transit is absolute for all vessels. The statement serves as a direct response to ongoing regional tensions involving Iran and the security of the waterway.
"All ships have the right to safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz without obstacles," Hawkins said during an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic.
Beyond the focus on navigation rights, the U.S. military is maintaining a high state of alert. The spokesperson said that American forces are prepared for various scenarios that could arise in the volatile region.
"U.S. forces are in a state of full readiness for any potential military developments in the region," Hawkins said.
Central Command's messaging underscores a commitment to preventing the closure or restriction of the strait. By publicly affirming these rights, the U.S. aims to deter actions that would threaten the flow of commerce, or the safety of international crews in the Arabian Gulf.
“All ships have the right to safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz without obstacles”
The U.S. is utilizing a combination of diplomatic signaling and military readiness to prevent Iran from leveraging its geographic position to disrupt global oil markets. By explicitly citing the right to 'unimpeded' passage, the U.S. establishes a legal and operational baseline that justifies military intervention should the strait be closed or transit be restricted.
