Two American-Flagged Merchant Ships Successfully Transit Strait of Hormuz
Two U.S. merchant ships have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on the first day of "Project Freedom." The successful mission marks an initial win for the U.S. Navy's effort to rescue 1,000 stranded ships amid Iranian threats and a regional energy crisis.
The U.S. military announced Monday that two merchant ships flying the American flag have safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz on the first day of Project Freedom, marking an initial success in efforts to restore freedom of navigation amid the ongoing naval standoff with Iran.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that its forces are supporting the operation to guide merchant vessels seeking to transit the vital waterway. The mission, personally directed by President Donald Trump, involves guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, unmanned platforms, and approximately 15,000 service members.
Iran has strongly opposed the U.S. initiative, declaring parts of the strait under its control, issuing warnings to approaching vessels, and claiming (unverified) attacks on U.S. assets in the area. Earlier Monday, the UAE accused Iran of a drone strike on one of its tankers.
In a related development, Axios reports that U.S. naval forces have been authorized to engage any vessel deemed an immediate threat in the Strait of Hormuz (such as fast boats).