DUBAI, May 5: US forces have begun escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, successfully guiding two American-flagged ships through the waterway without incident.
The operation involves significant military support, including guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and around 15,000 personnel, aimed at ensuring safe passage for thousands of stranded mariners and vessels in the Persian Gulf.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the mission as temporary and emphasized a preference for a peaceful approach, though he noted that forces are prepared to respond if conditions change. Iran has criticized the effort, calling it a violation of the existing ceasefire.
According to the US Central Command, Iranian forces have launched multiple cruise missiles, drones, and small boat attacks targeting civilian ships under US protection.
American helicopters reportedly responded by sinking six of the attacking boats. Iran, however, has disputed aspects of these claims, and the situation remains unclear.
Despite these incidents, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine stated that recent Iranian actions do not amount to major combat operations and therefore do not constitute a breach of the ceasefire.
He noted that since the truce began, Iran has fired at commercial vessels several times, seized ships, and carried out attacks on US forces, but all below the threshold that would reignite full-scale conflict.
Caine also highlighted the scale of the ongoing operation, noting that more than 22,000 mariners aboard over 1,500 vessels remain unable to transit the region.
He described the current period as relatively “quieter,” with continuous aerial patrols and coordinated military support ensuring maritime security.
Hegseth further addressed concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating that despite earlier strikes on nuclear facilities, Tehran still appears intent on developing a nuclear weapon.
He said recent military actions were partly aimed at delaying that capability and expressed hope that Iran would instead choose diplomatic solutions.
Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions have extended beyond the region. Marco Rubio is set to visit Rome and Vatican City to ease friction between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV.
Trump has criticized the pope’s comments on the conflict, accusing him of undermining global security, while the pontiff has continued to call for peace and dialogue.
Efforts to reach a broader agreement remain stalled. Iran has proposed terms including lifting sanctions, ending blockades, and withdrawing foreign forces, but key disagreements persist, particularly over nuclear issues.
While the ceasefire technically holds, ongoing tensions and limited progress in negotiations leave the situation uncertain. (AP)
