Two US Navy guided-missile destroyers successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz today. Consequently, this marks the first transit of its kind since the recent US-Israel war on Iran began.
President Donald Trump recently announced the operation on his Truth Social platform. Specifically, he stated the United States is now “clearing out” this highly strategic waterway. Furthermore, Trump called the action a direct favor to nations like China, Japan, and France. He boldly claimed these countries lack the courage or will to do the work themselves.
Additionally, the President insisted that Iran is “LOSING BIG!” in the ongoing conflict. However, he openly acknowledged that Iranian sea mines still pose a serious threat to passing ships. Trump noted that the only leverage Iran has left is the threat of a ship hitting one of these mines.
According to The Wall Street Journal, three US officials confirmed the destroyers completed the passage without any reported issues. Meanwhile, US media outlet Axios reported that the United States did not coordinate this operation with authorities in Tehran. Currently, US officials have not responded to AFP requests for comments regarding these transit reports.
Since February 28, Tehran had virtually blocked this key shipping lane off the coast of Iran. This severe blockade of the Strait of Hormuz started immediately when the United States and Israel began bombing the country. Unsurprisingly, this caused major global disruptions, as one-fifth of the world’s crude oil passes directly through this strait.
A shaky ceasefire took effect earlier this week, thanks to Pakistan. Ostensibly, reopening the strait served as a primary condition for establishing this agreement
