Two Navy guided-missile destroyers entered the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, the first American warships to transit the strait since the U.S.-Israel offensive in Iran began on Feb. 28. USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG-121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) are now in the Persian Gulf after transiting the strait as part of the U.

A Thai-flagged cargo vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday shortly after departing from the United Arab Emirates, as regional tensions continue to disrupt one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

The destroyers were beginning mine-clearing operations in the vital waterway, U.S. Central Command said Saturday.

Cargo vessels and tanker transits through the Strait of Hormuz saw a minimal rise last week, despite Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s denial the waterway is facing a blockage. Shipping analysis Lloyd’s List reported Monday that recent transits still represent less than 10 percent of the average traffic.

President Donald Trump said the U.S. military would remain around Iran until a real agreement is reached and fully complied with.

Historic face-to-face negotiations continue between the United States and Iran in Pakistan, days after a fragile, two-week ceasefire was announced

Friday marks six months since Gaza's ceasefire deal took effect, a milestone largely lost in the confusion over the new and even more fragile ceasefire in the Iran war. The ravaged Palestinian territory of 2 million people has seen the most intense fighting stop between Israeli forces and Hamas-led militants.

Even after a cease-fire, Iran is keeping a chokehold on traffic, forcing countries to cut deals that could put them at odds with the U.S.