Two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers, the U.S.S. Frank E. Peterson and U.S.S. Michael Murphy, entered the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz Saturday to begin removing naval mines. U.S. Central Command confirmed the operation aims to restore safe passage for commercial shipping in the vital energy chokepoint. This action follows an agreement to reopen the waterway as part of a two-week cease-fire.

Iranian officials have been slow to clear the mines laid after recent attacks, requiring American technical assistance, according to defense sources. Reopening the strait, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil travels, remains a central demand by the U.S. team meeting with Tehran in Islamabad. The blockage has already driven up energy prices globally.

Tehran, however, publicly denied any U.S. warship passage, with military spokesmen asserting continued control over the strait. Iranian leaders are now reportedly demanding future revenue-sharing tolls for transit through the waterway as a condition for a broader peace settlement. The U.S. plans to deploy underwater drones shortly to accelerate the clearance effort.

The operation’s success directly impacts global energy security and economic growth forecasts threatened by the weeks-long closure. The military maneuvering continues even as diplomatic efforts, involving Vice President JD Vance’s team, attempt to solidify a settlement following escalations that began in February.