Two US-flagged merchant vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz under the watch of American naval forces, in what appears to be the first publicly acknowledged US-supported passage through the strategic waterway since Iran imposed a sweeping blockade on Gulf shipping.
The operation, confirmed by US Central Command (CENTCOM), saw guided-missile destroyers operating in the Gulf as commercial traffic was escorted through one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
“American forces are actively assisting efforts to restore transit for commercial shipping,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
The move comes amid a deepening confrontation over control of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass. The waterway has been heavily disrupted for more than two months, leaving hundreds of vessels stranded and global energy markets on edge.
The transit marks a significant operational step by Washington, which has signalled its intention to reopen shipping lanes amid mounting pressure on global supply chains.
The development follows conflicting claims over naval incidents in the region. Iranian officials said on Monday that a US warship had been forced to turn back after entering the strait, with a senior Iranian source alleging that warning shots had been fired.
Iranian state media went further, claiming missiles had struck a US vessel near the southern entrance to the strait close to the port of Jask. Those claims were rejected by CENTCOM, which said no American warship had been hit.
The Iranian navy separately said it had blocked what it described as “American-Zionist” warships from entering the area, claiming it had issued a “swift and decisive warning”.
The situation underscores the fragility of maritime security in the Gulf, where competing claims of naval engagement have raised fears of miscalculation between Iranian forces and Western navies.
The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of tension since Tehran moved to restrict access following US and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year. The resulting blockade has severely disrupted global shipping routes and contributed to sharp volatility in energy markets.
Oil prices rose around five per cent on Monday amid renewed concern that the disruption could persist, with traders warning that prolonged restrictions could tighten global supply and further destabilise markets.
Washington’s decision to escort merchant shipping is likely to be seen as a direct challenge to Iran’s ability to enforce its blockade, raising the prospect of further confrontation at sea.
For now, the passage of US-linked vessels marks a tentative attempt to restore commercial movement through one of the world’s most strategically sensitive waterways — but also highlights how quickly the situation could escalate further.
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