US Military Says It Remains Vigilant in Strait of Hormuz

The US military said Saturday it remained “present and vigilant” in the Strait of Hormuz, shortly after Iran announced it was closing the critical shipping lane.

“US forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement.

CENTCOM, which oversees US forces in the Middle East, said 55 commercial vessels had transited the strait on Saturday and that “safe passage through the international waterway remained intact today.”

The statement was issued at around 10:30 am (1430 GMT).

An A-10 Thunderbolt, also known as the Warthog, peels away after receiving fuel over Idaho on November 25, 2020. The New York Times reported on April 3, 2026 that a second US jet — an A-10 “tankbuster” ground attack plane — had crashed near the Strait of Hormuz and that the lone pilot was safely rescued. (Photo by Senior Airman Danielle Charmichael / US AIR FORCE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / Senior Airman Danielle Carmichael / US Air Force” – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Iran had announced moments earlier that it was closing the strait in response to Israeli strikes on Lebanon, deeming them a violation of its fragile deal with the United States.

The renewed tension came as US and Iranian negotiators were expected in Switzerland to continue talks on implementing the agreement.

Vice President JD Vance, speaking on Fox News before Iran’s announcement, said he expected to travel to Switzerland in “the next couple of days” to take part in negotiations.

Maritime tracking firms said Friday that traffic through the strait had risen to its busiest level in two months.

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Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.