U.S. warships cross Strait of Hormuz for first time since Iran war began

""This was an operation that focused on freedom of navigation through International waters," the U.S. official said."

"The reopening of the strait was a key provision in the U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal."

"A U.S. official admitted earlier this week that ships were not moving through because they were intimidated by the Iranians."

"'We're now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to Countries all over the World, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and many others,' he wrote."

An operation was conducted to boost confidence for commercial ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with U.S.-Iran peace talks in Pakistan. The reopening of the strait was a crucial element of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement. The strait is essential for global economic operations, but few ships had crossed following the ceasefire due to intimidation from Iranian forces. President Trump noted that the threat of sea mines was Iran's primary means of deterring ships from entering the strait, emphasizing the importance of clearing the waterway for international trade.

Read at Axios