US Central Command: Majority of Iran's Strait of Hormuz Attacks Unsuccessful
U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins states that approximately 97% of vessels transiting the waterway do so without incident, asserting the Strait remains open for passage.
The "vast majority" of Iran's attempted attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz are unsuccessful, allowing the key waterway to remain open for transit, according to U.S. Central Command Spokesperson U.S. Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins.
Hawkins told Fox News Digital this week that the U.S. military has assisted in providing coordinated protection for thousands of ships, ensuring that approximately 97% of vessels seeking to transit the Strait of Hormuz have done so successfully without being hit by an Iranian projectile. He characterized the actions of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as "unjustified" and "unsuccessful" in their objective of closing the vital shipping lane.
"It is open, it is available for transit, and we've seen that transit continue this very day," Hawkins stated.
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper noted in a recent update that the IRGC has been consistently attacking merchant ships and killing civilian mariners. The International Maritime Organization reports that over 20 civilian mariners have been killed by Iran's attacks against commercial shipping since February. During the last seven days alone, approximately 400 merchant ships have sailed through the Strait. U.S. forces have also supported Gulf partners in shipping over 100 million barrels of crude oil during the same period, adding to more than 1.3 billion barrels of crude oil helped by regional allies in recent months.
Hawkins highlighted the dual role of U.S. service members in the Middle East: maintaining traffic flow through the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels despite Iranian aggression, while simultaneously enforcing a blockade against Iran. He stated that no exports or imports to Iran have occurred without U.S. permission, with exceptions made for humanitarian ships.
"So that shows the precision, dedication, and professionalism of our troops who are executing this complex mission — not just one — but two at the same time," Hawkins said. "They are highly vigilant, they are highly dedicated, and they're serving with courage and bravery."
More than 50,000 U.S. service members are currently stationed across the Middle East, assisting regional allies and partners in defending their airspace from Iranian attacks. Hawkins emphasized the success of these collaborative efforts. MHC-60R Sea Hawk helicopter lands on the flight deck of USS Rafael Peralta as it transits regional waters, in this photo released by U.S. Central Command on Oct. 15, 2026. CENTCOM said the USS Rafael Peralta is enforcing a military blockade of Iranian ports.