U.S. says 2 ships crossed Hormuz, Iran threatens "force" if more try it
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A cargo boat in the strait last week. Photo: Asghar Besharati/Getty Images
Two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels sailed out of the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday with the assistance of the U.S. Navy, CENTCOM said in a statement.
Why it matters: These were the first two vessels that transited the strait since the U.S. military launched "Project Freedom" to "guide" ships through on Monday morning.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. (IRGC) denied any ships had passed through the strait in recent hours, adding: "Any other maritime activity that contradicts the declared principles of the IRGC Navy will face serious risks, and violating vessels will be stopped by force."
Driving the news: CENTCOM said U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers also transited on Monday from the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz and are currently operating in the Gulf.
- "American forces are actively assisting efforts to restore transit for commercial shipping," CENTCOM added.
- A U.S. official said the two vessels were not escorted but sailed through a designated defensive zone. The Iranians didn't fire at the vessels.
- The U.S. official said the rules of engagement for U.S. forces in the region have been changed. They were authorized to strike immediate threats against ships that cross the strait, like IRGC fast boats or Iranian missile positions.
The latest: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News that the U.S. "is opening up" the strait. He claimed the U.S. military has "absolute control" of the waterway but will fire "only when fired upon" by the Iranians.
The other side: On Monday, the Iranian armed forces said in a statement that "U.S. aggressive actions will only complicate the current situation" and endanger the security of vessels in the Gulf.
- It called on all commercial ships and tankers to refrain from passing through the strait without coordination with the Iranian military.
- Iran's Fars news agency, which is affiliated with the IRGC, claimed two Iranian missiles hit a U.S. navy ship that tried to cross the strait on Monday.
- After CENTCOM denied that claim the IRGC said they fired "warning shots" in the direction of the U.S. navy ship.
