On May 4, the U.S. Central Command confirmed that two American merchant vessels have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz under the framework of the "Freedom Operation":
"After the U.S. Navy missile destroyer group crossed the Strait of Hormuz, it has now been deployed in the Persian Gulf to provide security support for the 'Freedom Operation.' The U.S. military is actively assisting in restoring commercial shipping order in the Strait of Hormuz. As the first phase of this operation, two U.S.-flagged merchant ships have safely traversed the strait and continue their normal navigation."
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The statement specifically highlighted the deployment of the missile destroyer group into the Persian Gulf: U.S. naval vessels first transit the strait, then remain stationed in the Persian Gulf for routine patrols, thereby establishing a dual-layer maritime defense barrier—'strait passage + deep presence in the Persian Gulf.' This is not a temporary escort mission but a long-term militarized deployment, paving the way for future regular escort missions for large-scale commercial fleets, while simultaneously reinforcing the U.S. military's persistent presence in the Middle East’s maritime domain to deter Iran’s anti-ship and missile capabilities near its coastal waters.
Earlier that day, Fars News Agency reported that two Iranian missiles struck a U.S. warship in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel ignored warnings from Tehran and persisted in attempting to enter the restricted area. Media sources confirmed that after being hit, the ship had departed the incident site.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864265306565632/
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