DistantNews
Support us
Strait of Hormuz sees 55 merchant ships, 17 million barrels of crude pass, says US
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Economy & Trade

Strait of Hormuz sees 55 merchant ships, 17 million barrels of crude pass, says US

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) reported that 55 merchant ships and 17 million barrels of crude oil transited the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, 2026.
  • Centcom stated that maritime security threats in the Strait have decreased to moderate levels following a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran.
  • The U.S. emphasizes its continued presence to ensure compliance with the agreement, while Iran claims the U.S. has violated the understanding due to Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

The United States Central Command (Centcom) announced on June 20, 2026, that 55 merchant vessels and 17 million barrels of crude oil successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This statement was issued without direct reference to Iran's earlier declaration of closing the strait due to alleged violations of a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Centcom's statement highlighted that "safe passage through this international waterway remained guaranteed today, with the transit of 55 merchant ships carrying large quantities of cargo and more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets." The command reported a reduction in maritime security threats in the Strait of Hormuz to a moderate level, attributing this to a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran. However, it also warned of "the presence of mines" and ongoing naval operations.

safe passage through this international waterway remained guaranteed today, with the transit of 55 merchant ships carrying large quantities of cargo and more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets.

— CentcomCentcom described the traffic and security situation in the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, 2026.

The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) had issued a notice confirming safe passage for all vessels along a designated route. Centcom noted an increase in commercial ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz on June 20. U.S. forces remain "present and vigilant to ensure that all aspects of the agreement with Iran are met and respected, and that it remains fully in force and effective," the command stated.

This development follows a preliminary agreement signed on June 18, which stipulated the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for 20% of the world's oil. Negotiations are scheduled to begin on Sunday in Switzerland to finalize a nuclear agreement. U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly in Switzerland for these talks. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has also departed for Switzerland, intending to press the U.S. to adhere to the memorandum of understanding, which Tehran claims has been breached by Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

U.S. forces remain present and vigilant to ensure that all aspects of the agreement with Iran are met and respected, and that it remains fully in force and effective.

— CentcomCentcom affirmed the U.S. commitment to upholding the agreement with Iran.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog