According to United States Central Command, two American-flagged merchant ships have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz under the escort of the United States military.
In a statement posted on Twitter, the military said the US Navy guided missile destroyers were operating in the Arabian Gulf as part of “Project Freedom”, a new operation aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the region.
Central Command said, “U.S. Navy guided missile destroyers are currently operating in the Arabian Gulf after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in support of Project Freedom. U.S. forces are actively assisting in efforts to restore transit to commercial shipping. As a first step, 2 U.S.-flagged merchant vessels have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and are safely underway on their voyage.”
The successful passage came a day after US President Donald Trump announced that the US would begin moving ships through the strategic waterway amid rising tensions with Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes, carrying a large share of global oil and gas exports.
Regional instability and concerns about attacks on ships have driven energy prices higher in recent months.
Iran has attempted to tighten controls on maritime traffic in the region as talks continue with Washington.
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