Strait of hormuz: The US Navy has issued a directive for vessels aiming to transit the Strait of Hormuz, advising them to navigate through Oman's territorial waters south of the Traffic Separation Scheme. This advisory comes due to the significant hazards present in the main shipping lane, which remains littered with sea mines that have yet to be fully surveyed or cleared.

According to Anadolu Agency, the US Naval Forces Central Command has urged ships to establish communication with Omani authorities via VHF channel 16, in anticipation of increased traffic volume. The advisory also recommends that operators conduct thorough risk assessments prior to attempting the transit.

This guidance aligns with the recent movement of US Navy guided-missile destroyers through the strait, as part of "Project Freedom." This initiative by Washington aims to escort neutral vessels safely out of the waterway, as confirmed by US Central Command.

In a separate development, Iranian state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted a US warship with two missiles during the operation. However, the US military has firmly denied these claims, asserting that no navy vessels were hit. They reaffirmed their commitment to "Project Freedom" and the enforcement of the naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Tensions in the region have been rising since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, leading to Iranian retaliations against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The US officially declared a naval blockade on April 13.

Efforts to mitigate the conflict included a two-week ceasefire announced on April 8, mediated by Pakistan, followed by direct negotiations in Islamabad on April 11. However, these talks did not result in a long-term truce.

US President Donald Trump subsequently extended the ceasefire, following a request from Pakistan, although no new deadline was established.