Tensions escalated in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on Saturday after conflicting reports emerged over whether US Navy ships successfully crossed the narrow waterway, even as Washington and Tehran engaged in ceasefire talks in Islamabad.

According to Axios, citing an unidentified US official, several American naval vessels completed a transit through the strait for the first time since the conflict began six weeks ago. The ships reportedly moved from east to west into the Gulf before returning to the Arabian Sea, in what was described as an uncoordinated freedom of navigation mission. US and Iran Begin Direct Negotiations in Pakistan After Ceasefire Deal.

However, this account was strongly disputed by regional intelligence sources and Iranian media. An official claimed that two US Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers attempted to pass through the strait but were forced to turn back after threats from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The official also alleged that a UAV was launched toward the vessels during the encounter.

Iranian outlets, including Fars News Agency, reported that Iranian forces tracked a US destroyer approaching from Fujairah and issued warnings via Pakistani mediators. Tehran claimed the vessel reversed course after being threatened with attack, though later statements denied that any US ship completed a crossing at all. US-Iran Tensions: White House Rejects Report of Releasing Blocked Iranian Funds Amid Islamabad Peace Talks.

The Pentagon and White House have not officially confirmed either version of events. A US official told Axios that no warning was received from Iran.

The incident comes amid a fragile ceasefire brokered by Pakistan on April 8. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint handling about 20 percent of seaborne crude, remains heavily restricted. Shipping traffic has sharply declined, with only a handful of vessels transiting daily compared to pre-conflict levels.

As ceasefire negotiations continue, the latest developments underscore the volatility of the region and the risk of further escalation.

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TruLY Score 3 – Believable; Needs Further Research | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 3 on LatestLY, this article appears believable but may need additional verification. It is based on reporting from news websites or verified journalists (Axios), but lacks supporting official confirmation. Readers are advised to treat the information as credible but continue to follow up for updates or confirmations

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 11, 2026 10:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).