STRAIT OF HORMUZ (dpa): Two US-flagged merchant ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz, the US military said on Monday, amid reports of attacks on vessels in the key waterway after President Donald Trump announced a military operation to help ships leave the region.
US destroyers in the Gulf are "actively assisting efforts to restore transit for commercial shipping", the US Central Command wrote on X.
"As a first step, 2 US-flagged merchant vessels have successfully transited through the Strait of Hormuz and are safely headed on their journey," the statement added.
The incident came after Trump announced the start of operation "Project Freedom" on his Truth Social platform, aiming to assist merchant ships in exiting the Gulf.
However, Iran's military leadership has threatened attacks against any ships entering the strait.
US Central Command earlier denied Iranian media reports that a US vessel had been hit by missiles fired by Iranian forces.
"No US Navy ships have been struck. US forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports," the post said. -- dpa
