US Navy ships cross Strait of Hormuz in first transit since war began, amid efforts to restore commercial shipping confidence
Several U.S. Navy ships transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday in a coordinated operation aimed at restoring maritime traffic through the critical waterway, according to a U.S. official.
The passage, which was not coordinated with Iran, marks the first known transit of U.S. warships through the strait since the outbreak of recent hostilities. Officials said the operation was intended to bolster confidence for commercial shipping and reinforce freedom of navigation in international waters.
According to the U.S. official, the vessels traveled from east to west into the Gulf before returning through the strait toward the Arabian Sea, completing a full transit of the narrow passage off Iran’s southern coast.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, handling a significant share of global oil traffic. Commercial activity through the waterway has slowed in recent days following heightened regional tensions, though a small number of oil tankers were reported to have passed through on Saturday.
U.S. officials have said shipping companies remain cautious due to security concerns, including fears of potential threats in the area. The latest naval movement is part of broader efforts to encourage a return to normal traffic levels.
The operation came as diplomatic talks involving the United States and Iran were reported to be underway in Pakistan, alongside broader discussions about stabilizing regional maritime routes.
Separately, President Trump said in a social media post that efforts were underway to help “clear out” the Strait of Hormuz to support global shipping, including for major energy-importing countries.
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