WASHINGTON/TEHRAN (MNN); Two US Navy warships have transited the Strait of Hormuz, launching an operation to clear alleged sea mines, as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate.
US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed that the guided-missile destroyers USS Frank E Peterson and USS Michael Murphy entered the strategic waterway to begin securing a safe maritime passage. Additional assets, including underwater drones, may be deployed in the coming days.
Centcom Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the operation aims to establish a secure route for global shipping and ensure the uninterrupted flow of commerce through the strait, which handles nearly a fifth of the world’s crude oil.
US President Donald Trump stated that Washington had begun “clearing out” the strait, adding that the move would benefit global economies. He claimed the US would prevail regardless of whether a deal with Iran is reached and described ongoing negotiations as “very deep”.
However, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stern warning, saying any military vessels attempting to cross the strait would face a “severe” response. The IRGC Navy asserted that it has full authority over the waterway and that only civilian vessels would be permitted under specific conditions. It also denied US claims that American warships had passed through the strait.
Meanwhile, a Pakistani government source revealed that recent US-Iran talks in Islamabad included direct negotiations with Pakistan playing a mediating role. The source said Pakistan proposed a framework to regulate navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, including the possibility of joint patrols to ensure maritime security.
The developments come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions following the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has disrupted regional stability and global energy markets. Senior officials from both sides held face-to-face talks in Islamabad as part of attempts to reach a broader understanding.
