U.S. Navy Deploys Destroyers to Gulf Amid Iranian Blockade, Merchant Ships Cross Hormuz
The U.S. military has deployed two Navy guided-missile destroyers to the Gulf to counter an Iranian blockade, while two American merchant ships successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz. This move is part of President Trump's 'Project Freedom,' aimed at assisting commercial ships stranded due to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. The deployment raises the risk of direct confrontation in a critical waterway that handles a significant portion of the world's seaborne oil and gas. Iran claimed to have turned back a U.S. warship with a warning shot, although the U.S. denied reports of missile strikes. The situation has led to a temporary spike in oil prices, reflecting the ongoing tension and uncertainty in the region. 
