War in the Middle East: Two American ships have crossed the Strait of Hormuz

Two American ships have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Pentagon, a claim disputed by Iran. The United States says they aim to secure the area and prepare for mine clearance. These tensions arise during ongoing negotiations between the two countries. Two U.S. Navy ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz today, as reported by Axios media and later confirmed by the Pentagon. A senior Iranian military official, quoted by state television, denied these reports. The U.S. Navy has begun “setting the conditions” for mine clearance, as reported by Le Parisien. However, Fars news agency indicated that “the U.S. is making excessive demands regarding the strait” and “unacceptable demands on several other issues.”

This American operation is intended to build confidence for commercial ships to navigate the strait in the future, Axios media stated. The ships operated as part of a larger mission to ensure the strait is completely clear of marine mines previously laid by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, according to Centcom in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

Negotiations Underway

The United States and Iran, under Pakistan’s auspices, are holding talks in Islamabad, Pakistan on Saturday, April 11, to transform the ceasefire into lasting peace. In the afternoon, Donald Trump announced on his social platform Truth Social that the U.S. had started “the process of unblocking the Strait of Hormuz” after over a month of blockade. The American president once again criticized countries that he believes are not doing enough to secure the area blocked by Iran, where typically a fifth of the world’s oil passes through.

“We are now beginning the process to secure the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of all countries around the world, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and many others,” Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Incredible but true: they do not have the courage or will to do the job themselves,” he added. “And meanwhile, tankers from around the world are heading to the U.S. to load oil,” Donald Trump rejoiced.

Published on April 11 at 10:00 PM by Léna Saint Jalmes, 6Media.