Two United States warships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transit since the conflict with Iran began, according to media reports.
The vessels, identified as US Navy guided-missile destroyers, completed the passage without incident, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials. The operation was not coordinated with Tehran, according to Axios.
US President Donald Trump said the United States had begun “clearing out” the strategic waterway, describing the move as beneficial to other countries reliant on the route for energy supplies.
“We're now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said, adding that it was “a favor” to nations such as China, Japan, and France.
The strait, through which about a fifth of the world’s crude oil passes, has been largely blocked by Iran since the conflict escalated on February 28, following US and Israeli strikes. Trump said Iranian sea mines continue to pose risks to shipping in the region.
US officials did not immediately comment on the reports.
The development comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, with senior US and Iranian officials holding talks in Pakistan aimed at ending the conflict. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains a key issue in the negotiations.
The disruption has significantly affected global energy markets, with shipping traffic through the route sharply reduced since the outbreak of hostilities.