DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A US-led naval task force on Monday began a new effort to guide stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran's seizure of commercial vessels disrupted traffic in the strategic waterway.
The operation, announced by the US Central Command, aims to ensure safe passage for vessels transiting the strait, through which about 20% of the world's oil passes. The task force includes ships from the US Navy and allied nations, though specific participants were not immediately named.
Iran has been accused of seizing several tankers in recent weeks, prompting the US and its partners to launch the escort mission. The first day of the operation saw several ships successfully rerouted under the protection of the task force, according to a statement from Central Command.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, and any disruption there can affect oil prices worldwide. The US-led effort is intended to restore confidence in the security of the waterway.
