US Navy destroyers and oil tankers transit Strait of Hormuz during fragile ceasefire

Three oil supertankers, including two Chinese vessels loaded with crude, sailed through the Strait of Hormuz shortly after two U.S. Navy destroyers transited the same vital waterway, signaling a tentative resumption of traffic amid a fragile two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran.^[1][8] The U.S. ships—the USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy—crossed on Saturday to pave the way for mine-clearing operations, according to U.S. Central Command, marking the first such U.S. naval passage since the conflict began on February 28.^[6][7][8] This uptick in movement comes days after the ceasefire was announced on the condition that the strait reopen, a chokepoint for about 20% of global oil supplies.

The U.S. transits were not coordinated with Iran, Axios reported, citing U.S. officials, and represented a bold assertion of freedom of navigation in international waters.^[3][7] U.S. Central Command stated the destroyers operated in the Arabian Gulf before returning, with additional forces including underwater drones set to join the effort to remove mines laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).^[6][8][9] President Donald Trump described the mine-clearing as a "favor to countries all over the world," noting on Truth Social that Iran's mine-laying ships had been destroyed and that U.S. minesweepers were actively sweeping the strait.^[4][6]

Iran sharply disputed the U.S. crossings, with state television reporting that Tehran warned a U.S. vessel it would be attacked "within 30 minutes" if it proceeded, prompting the ship to retreat, according to a senior military official.^[2][4][5] Iranian media, including the semi-official Fars news agency, claimed forces monitored the destroyer from Fujairah and relayed warnings via Pakistani mediators, denying any successful U.S. passage.^[1][5] The IRGC specified that strait passage would be granted only to civilian vessels under strict conditions, labeling unauthorized military moves a ceasefire violation.^[6]

These developments unfolded as high-stakes peace talks got underway in Islamabad, Pakistan, involving U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Iranian representatives, and Pakistani mediators—the first direct U.S.-Iran face-to-face discussions since 1979.^[1][4][6] The two-week truce, now in its early days, aims to end hostilities that have disrupted global energy markets and heightened fears of broader conflict. Meanwhile, the oil supertankers' passage—two Chinese and one Greek—noted by Bloomberg, underscores commercial interests pushing to restore flows after weeks of paralysis.[cluster_source_1]

The Strait of Hormuz, narrow and strategically critical between Iran and Oman, remains tense, with U.S. officials reporting no warnings were received despite Iranian claims.^[7][9] CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper indicated a "safe pathway" would soon be shared with the maritime industry to boost commerce.^[9] Global markets, shipping firms, and oil-dependent economies watch closely, as full reopening could stabilize prices but risks escalation if tensions flare.

Affected parties include major oil exporters and importers, with China among the first to test civilian routes post-ceasefire.[cluster_source_1] What happens next hinges on the Islamabad negotiations and mine-clearing progress; U.S. sources expect more naval assets soon, while Iran insists on controlling access.^[6][8] Diplomats hope these transits presage de-escalation, but conflicting accounts highlight the ceasefire's fragility.