US claims progress in reopening Hormuz, saying 2 merchant ships have transited
The U.S. military reported that two American-flagged merchant ships successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz under a new initiative to reopen the critical waterway, which Iran has effectively controlled since the start of the conflict in February. The move aims to ease global economic strain caused by disrupted oil shipments, though it risks reigniting hostilities as Iran has warned against unauthorized passage. The U.S. denied Iranian claims of striking a Navy vessel, while the UAE accused Iran of targeting one of its oil tankers with drones.
- ▪The U.S. launched 'Project Freedom' to guide merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing humanitarian concerns for stranded crews.
- ▪Iran claims control over the strait and has warned it will target any unauthorized foreign military forces approaching the area.
- ▪The UAE issued a missile alert and accused Iran of attacking an oil tanker with drones, while a fire broke out on a South Korean-operated ship in the strait.
- ▪The U.S. military denied Iran's claim that it struck a U.S. Navy vessel near the strait.
- ▪Hundreds of ships remain stranded in the Persian Gulf as insurers and shipping firms remain wary of the risks despite the new U.S.-led security measures.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz near Bandar Abbas, Iran, Monday. West Asia News Agency via Reuters-YonhapDUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The U.S. military said Monday that two American-flagged merchant ships had successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz after it launched a new initiative to restore traffic. Iran has effectively controlled the critical waterway since the U.S. and Israel launched the war in late February.Breaking Iran’s chokehold over the strait would ease global economic concerns and deny Tehran a major source of leverage in talks aimed at ending the war. But U.S. President Donald Trump's latest effort also risks reigniting full-scale fighting, as the U.S.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Korea Times News.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Korea Times News
