Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate as the US Navy takes a strong symbolic move: Two destroyers USS Michael Murphy and USS Frank E. Peterson publicly turned on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) when crossing this strategic maritime route on April 11.
Fortune quoted military maritime history expert Salvatore Mercogliano as saying that this is an act of breaking military practice, because warships often turn off AIS to avoid being tracked.
According to Mr. Mercogliano, turning on AIS "cannot be random", but is a deliberate message: the US wants to prove that they can freely pass through Hormuz without Iran's permission.
On the same day, April 11, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that destroyers began clearing naval mines - believed to be deployed by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - to reopen the safe corridor for commercial ships.
Admiral Brad Cooper - in charge of US naval operations in the Middle East - emphasized that Washington is aiming to create a "new maritime route" to ensure that trade flows are not interrupted. This is especially important as before the conflict, Hormuz was a transit point for about 20% of global LNG oil and liquefied natural gas.
However, this move also means that the US is directly challenging Tehran's biggest "strategic leverage" - the actual control over this narrow but vital strait.
Reactions from Iran occurred almost immediately. In a radio call recorded by a civilian ship, the IRGC sent a tough message: "This is the final warning".
The US side responded that the move complies with international law and is not for provocation, and pledged to comply with ceasefire regulations.
Iranian media then announced that US ships had turned around after being confronted, and even the IRGC dispatched drones to approach. Tehran affirmed that any military efforts to cross Hormuz would face a "tough and drastic" response.
Previously, the US Navy avoided passing through Hormuz, considering this area a "damage box" with dense threats including anti-ship missiles, high-speed attack boats, unmanned aerial vehicles and especially naval mines.
With a narrow width, attacks can take place at close range, making the defensive response time almost maximally shortened. This turns any confrontation here into a high-risk scenario.
In other related developments, on April 11, negotiations lasting more than 21 hours between the US and Iran in Islamabad (Pakistan) ended without a breakthrough, when the delegation led by US Vice President JD Vance left without specific results. Mr. Vance said that the biggest obstacle was the nuclear issue when Iran did not provide necessary guarantees, while affirming that the US side still maintained a tough stance on strategic limits.
In parallel with diplomatic moves, the US is increasing its military presence in the region. A third aircraft carrier with thousands of marines and paratroopers is expected to be deployed this month. Long-range cruise missiles are also being brought to the Middle East.
