Two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz on Monday with the assistance of the U.S. Navy, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). This marks the first transit since the launch of "Project Freedom," a military initiative aimed at ensuring safe passage for commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
Iranian Threats Escalate
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) denied reports of the transit and issued a stern warning, stating that any unauthorized maritime activity would face "serious risks" and that violating vessels would be "stopped by force." Despite the threats, the U.S. official confirmed that the Iranians did not fire at the vessels during their passage.
"Any other maritime activity that contradicts the declared principles of the IRGC Navy will face serious risks, and violating vessels will be stopped by force." - IRGC
U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers also transited the strait on Monday and are now operating in the Gulf. CENTCOM emphasized that American forces are actively assisting efforts to restore transit for commercial shipping, with updated rules of engagement authorizing strikes against immediate threats, such as IRGC fast boats or Iranian missile positions.
U.S. Claims Control, Iran Warns of Aggression
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asserted that the U.S. has "absolute control" of the Strait of Hormuz but will only fire "when fired upon" by the Iranians. Meanwhile, the Iranian armed forces accused the U.S. of "aggressive actions" that endanger vessel security and urged commercial ships to coordinate with Iranian military authorities before transiting the strait.
In a conflicting report, Iran's Fars news agency claimed two Iranian missiles hit a U.S. Navy ship attempting to cross the strait, a claim CENTCOM denied. The IRGC later clarified that they fired "warning shots" in the direction of the U.S. Navy ship, highlighting the volatile nature of the situation.