Top shipping company Maersk said on Tuesday that one of its vessels has managed to sail the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. protection, challenging Iran's blockade of the key waterway.
The company said the ship crossed on Monday after being stranded at sea since the war began on February 28. All crew members were unharmed.
The development is part of the U.S.'s initiative to guarantee the crossing of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz despite Iran's intention to maintain a chokehold on it.
The Maritime Information Center, led by the U.S., had advised ships to cross through Omani waters, saying it had set up an "enhanced security area" and managed to create a path free of sea mines.
President Donald Trump threatened Tehran on Monday over the matter, saying it would be "blown off the face of the Earth" if its forces seek to prevent ships from crossing the key waterway.
He went on to say that the U.S. military buildup in the region continues to grow. "We have more weapons and ammunition at a much higher grade than we had before."
"We have the best equipment. We have stuff all over the world. We have these bases all over the world. They're all stocked up with equipment. We can use all of that stuff, and we will, if we need it."
The threat comes after the commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Brad Cooper, said U.S. forces sunk six Iranian small boats that were targeting civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Cooper said in a press conference that "each and every one" of the threats were neutralized. He went on to say that the U.S. military has set up a "defensive umbrella" to allow for ships to cross.
Cooper also declined to say if the recent actions meant the ceasefire had collapsed, but claimed Tehran "initiated aggressive behavior." "What we saw this morning was Iran initiating aggressive behaviors. We are simply going to respond to that," Cooper said. Tehran disputed the claim, with a senior official telling local media that it is "false."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a social media post that the developments "make clear that there's no military solution to a political crisis."
Events in Hormuz make clear that there's no military solution to a political crisis.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 4, 2026
As talks are making progress with Pakistan's gracious effort, the U.S. should be wary of being dragged back into quagmire by ill-wishers. So should the UAE.
Project Freedom is Project Deadlock.
"As talks are making progress with Pakistan's gracious effort, the U.S. should be wary of being dragged back into quagmire by ill-wishers. So should the UAE. Project Freedom is Project Deadlock," he added.
