[The U.S. Military States the Southern Channel of the Strait of Hormuz Remains 'Open'] Golden Finance reported on July 12 that the U.S.-led Combined Maritime Forces Information Center issued a notice on the 12th stating that despite Iran's claim that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed, the southern channel near the Oman side remains accessible and is open for two-way traffic. The notice stated that the maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz is still maintained at 'severe.' (Xinhua News Agency)