US Navy destroyers on Saturday transited the Strait of Hormuz for the first time during the war, triggering a tense radio confrontation with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy as high-level negotiations between Washington and Tehran were underway in Pakistan, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The report said IRGC naval forces — which have tightened control over shipping in the strait since the ceasefire and introduced tolls on vessels — challenged the US warships as they attempted passage.
“This is the last warning. This is the last warning,” Iranian forces said over radio communications, according to audio from a nearby civilian vessel.
The US destroyer responded that it was transiting in accordance with international law and had no hostile intent.
“Passage in accordance with international law. No challenge is intended to you,” the ship said.
US Central Command said the vessels operated in the Persian Gulf and left the area as planned without incident. It said the transit was intended to signal that Washington does not recognize Iranian control over the strait and to support efforts to restore commercial navigation.
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