Updated 1 hour ago - World

U.S. warships cross Strait of Hormuz for first time since Iran war began

• Barak Ravid

Add Axios on GoogleAdd Axios as your preferred source to

see more of our stories on Google.
A naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026. Photo: Sahar AL ATTAR / AFP via Getty Images
Several U.S. Navy ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, a U.S. official told Axios.

Why it matters: The move was not coordinated with Iran. It is the first time U.S. warships crossed the strait since the beginning of the war.

• The operation was aimed at increasing confidence for commercial ships to cross, sources say. It came as peace talks between the two sides kicked off in Pakistan.
• "This was an operation that focused on freedom of navigation through International waters," the U.S. official said.

Driving the news: The official said the Navy ships crossed the strait from east to west to the Gulf, and then made their way back through the strait to the Arabian Sea.

• The Iranian government reportedly called the crossing a ceasefire violation and threatened to attack the ships, per state media reports.
• A U.S. official says the U.S. received no such warning.