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U.S. Military Says It Broke the Hormuz Blockade; Two U.S.-Flagged Ships Transit Safely
Following President Donald Trump’s launch of Operation "Project Freedom" to free ships stuck in the strait, the U.S. military says two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran warns any entry violates a cease-fire and insists movement now requires its direct approval.
- Yuval Aviv
- | Updated
The U.S. Navy (Credit: Shutterstock)After President Donald Trump announced Operation "Project Freedom" to free ships stuck in the strait, the U.S. military said today (Monday) that forces have begun operating in the area and already notched an initial gain.
According to the U.S. military, American warships are now operating in the Persian Gulf after crossing the Strait of Hormuz as part of the mission. The forces are working to restore traffic through the strategic shipping lane, and "as a first step—two U.S.-flagged merchant ships passed safely through the Strait of Hormuz."
By contrast, an official statement from Iran's military claimed that several American destroyers tried to approach the strait while switching off their radar systems. According to the Iranians, after the destroyers "did not respond to the first warning," another warning was sent, clarifying that "any attempt to enter the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the cease-fire and will be met with a response by naval forces."
The statement went on to say that after further disregard by the American forces, the Iranian Navy fired warning missiles near the destroyers "to warn them against transiting the strait." The Iranians stressed that "the responsibility and consequences of such dangerous actions rest with the enemy."
An Iranian source quoted by the Tasnim news agency declared that the Islamic Republic is prepared for any scenario. He said Iranian forces will not allow free passage for American forces in the strait, and added that from now on "any movement in the Strait of Hormuz requires the direct approval of Iranian forces."
The source also issued a warning to vessels operating in the area, urging them to "learn the lessons of the war" so as not to pay the price of "American stupidity." At the same time, it was claimed that Iran has completed preparations for additional and more lethal response scenarios, as part of its preparations for a broader campaign over control of the strategic shipping lane.
