Oman's "southern route" through the Strait of Hormuz remains open for two-way traffic, despite Iran's claim that the critical waterway is closed, according to the Combined Maritime Information Center (CMIC), which is under the supervision of the U.S. Navy, UNN reports citing CNN.
"U.S. armed forces are ready to support freedom of navigation and protect lawful trade in accordance with international law. The southern route of the strait remains open," the CMIC advisory note, published on Sunday, states.
Despite this statement, the security threat level on the waterway remains "serious," CMIC added.
Earlier on Sunday local time, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had closed the strait after firing a warning shot at a vessel that attempted to use an unauthorized route to cross the waterway.