In a significant move, two U.S. Navy destroyers navigated the strategic Strait of Hormuz today, marking the first such passage since hostilities erupted in Iran. This development is noteworthy given the ongoing tensions in the region.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the warships completed their transit without incident on Saturday after a six-week hiatus. The operation was undertaken as part of a freedom-of-navigation mission, without the involvement of commercial vessel escorts.
This action aligns with directives from President Donald Trump, who has emphasized the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz accessible as part of a broader ceasefire agreement.
The conflict in Iran had previously led to the effective closure of the Strait, a critical chokepoint through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil supplies are transported. This had resulted in heightened energy prices and provided Iran with a significant leverage point in its negotiations with the United States.
The passage of the destroyers coincides with the commencement of direct U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan, following the announcement of a tentative two-week ceasefire. This development underscores the delicate balance of diplomacy and military readiness in the region.
The transit comes as the US and Iran began face-to-face negotiations on Saturday in Pakistan, days after a fragile, two-week ceasefire was announced.
The White House confirmed the direct nature of the talks.
Iran’s state-run news agency said three-party talks had begun after Iranian preconditions, including a reduction in Israeli strikes on Southern Lebanon were met, and after US and Iranian officials met separately with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Two US destroyers have entered the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday as part of a freedom-of-navigation mission
The destroyers (stock image) were not escorting commercial ships. Their appearance in the Strait comes as peace talks begin in Pakistan between the US and Iran
When asked if he feels the Iranians are acting in good faith during these high-stakes negotiations, Trump offered a cryptic but confident timeline for when the world will find out on Saturday.
‘I’ll let you know that in a very short period of time, won’t take long,’ he said.
The US delegation is being led by Vice President JD Vance, along with Steve Witkoff, the special envoy, and Jared Kushner, who is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
The Iranian delegation is being led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
The two are discussing how to advance the ceasefire already threatened by deep disagreements and Israel’s continued attacks against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, a terrorist group, in Lebanon.
The President claimed that US and allied forces have effectively wiped out Iran’s Navy, Air Force, and leadership.
He also took a swipe at global allies, claiming they lack the ‘courage or will’ to clear the strategic Strait of Hormuz – a task he says the US is now doing as a ‘favor’ to the world.
‘Most importantly, their longtime ‘Leaders’ are no longer with us, praise be to Allah!
President Donald Trump, pictured with his son Eric, has claimed the US has destroyed Iran’s military. He is demanding the Strait be reopened as part of the peace deal
‘The only thing they have going is the threat that a ship may “bunk” into one of their sea mines, which by the way, all 28 of their mine dropper boats are also lying at the bottom of the sea,’ Trump wrote.
In a separate post, he wrote: ‘The United States has completely destroyed Iran’s Military, including their entire Navy and Air Force, and everything else.
‘Their Leadership is DEAD! The Strait of Hormuz will soon be open, and the empty ships are rushing to the United States to “load up.”‘
Iran wants an end to attacks, compensation for earlier ones, and a guarantee that no more will occur.
It also wants US military forces to leave the region, and Tehran wants longtime sanctions lifted.
French President Emmanuel Macron is urging ‘respect for the ceasefire and its application to Lebanon.’
In a social media post, Macron said he talked to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday and that in addition to discussing the ceasefire, they urged a return to free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The French leader didn’t mention the negotiations in Pakistan, but said he and Erdogan ‘underlined the need for a robust and lasting diplomatic solution.’
Vice President JD Vance, with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is leading the US delegation in the peace talks
The Iranian delegation is being led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
Macron has been speaking regularly with other world leaders about the war and helping lead efforts for a mission to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz once the fighting calms.
He has been particularly active in pushing for peace in Lebanon, a former French protectorate with close ties to France.
The Israeli military said its air force hit infrastructure of the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon and was continuing to support its ground forces operating in Southern Lebanon.
It comes as Tehran is pressing for a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in three-party talks.
Earlier Saturday, the Lebanese state-run news agency reported at least three people killed in Israeli strikes in Southern Lebanon. There were no reported strikes in the afternoon hours.
In Israeli communities along the border with Lebanon sirens continued to warn of drone and rocket attacks from Lebanon throughout the day Saturday. There were no reports of injuries.
Israel has continued striking Lebanon after a ceasefire between the US and Iran was announced, even though mediator Pakistan has said that the tiny Mediterranean nation is part of the two-week pause.
