The United States continues efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz even as it faces fresh attacks and disputed ceasefire claims. According to reporting, U.S. forces carry out a temporary mission to help guide ships through the key oil and gas chokepoint; the first vessels to pass on Tuesday were American-flagged and reportedly sailed through without harm. Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine says the safety corridor relies on guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, and roughly 15,000 service members supporting the operation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth describes the U.S. approach as a preferred peaceful effort to “guide” maritime traffic, noting that more than 22,500 mariners on over 1,550 vessels are affected by the situation. Hegseth also says the mission is temporary and that U.S. forces are prepared if circumstances change. The operation and recent incidents are contested: Iran denounces the U.S. movement as a ceasefire violation. U.S. Central Command says Iran launched cruise missiles, drones, and small boats targeting civilian ships under U.S. protection, and that U.S. helicopters sank six small boats involved in the attacks.