IRGC claims they closed the strait again?

But ships are flowing through as American war ships patrol the area.

CENTCOM: "Commercial ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz increased June 20 as U.S. forces continued operating in the general area to support freedom of navigation."

"Safe passage through the international waterway remained intact today as 55 merchant ships transited, moving large amounts of cargo and more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets. U.S. forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect."

Herein lies the issue with the fractured nature of the Iranian leadership. As stated by many, the hardliners in Iran (which includes the notorious Republican Guard) are upset that the politicians have come to an agreement where Iran must give something up. They apparently live in world where they never have to give anything up and everyone else must suffer for their stubbornness. These hardliners are upset with a deal that ironically Americans are also upset with... as both groups of people believe that their own leadership caved. Sometimes that can be the sign of a good deal... when nobody is happy.

But I digress.

Now the first question lies in whether or not the words from Iran will prevent boats from traveling through the strait (as appears to have been the case in the past). But the reality is that as of yesterday, traffic was running through the strait at almost a third of prewar traffic and today things are even busier. So it would appear that this is bluster and finally some people are simply ignoring it as much. Perhaps this will make some take pause, but at this point there is no sign of that.

The second (and probably bigger) question is whether or not the Iranians will actually follow through with their threats to attack tankers flowing through, now that the US is providing military cover? Since they have what is basically speedboats with machine guns mounted on them as a navy, they are not really much of a match for actual war ships and military choppers. Sure, they can hassle a tanker that is without cover, but are they going to be willing to go out into the water to attack, knowing they could be blown up at any time?

Either way, if I was Trump and gang, I would seriously be reconsidering removing the war ships in the sort of time frame that is expected in this agreement. It could be argued that Iran has already breached it by claiming the strait is closed. It would only be a matter of time for them to actually close it once we remove our military presence from the area. I think that would be a mistake. But what do I know?