U.S. Commercial Ships That Crossed The Strait Of Hormuz Had U.S. Military Teams Aboard: Report

Two ships that crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Monday had U.S. military security teams aboard, according to a new report.

Iran launched missiles and drones at both ships, also sending small boats to them. However, the U.S. military intercepted the attacks and destroyed the boats, NBC News detailed.

The outlet went on to say that the incident marked the first time in which such U.S. personnel went aboard ships passing through the key waterway.

Captain Tim Hawkins, public affairs director for U. S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reacted to the publication, saying “U.S. forces provided a protective security bubble for the transiting commercial vessels that included multiple defensive layers and coverage from warships, aircraft, and highly trained personnel.”

President Donald Trump, however, said on Tuesday that he was stopping the operation to guarantee safe passage of the ships as there was progress in the broader negotiations to end the war.

He said in a social media publication that “based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries,” as well as the fact that “Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.”

Axios later detailed that the U.S. and Iran are getting close to a one-page memorandum of understanding with 14 points to end the war and usher detailed nuclear negotiations.

Washington expects Tehran to response to key issues before the end of the week. Among them are a moratorium on nuclear enrichment and lifting the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S., in turn, would lift sanctions on the country and end its own restrictions in the key waterway.

If agreed, the document would declare an end to the war and begin a 30-day period in which the Strait of Hormuz would gradually reopen while discussions take place. Should they collapse, the U.S. would be able to resume its blockade and military actions.

Parties are currently negotiating a moratorium of at least 12 years, a middle ground between the U.S.’s proposal of 20 years and Tehran’s five. The U.S. also wants for any violation from Iran to extend the moratorium.

Iran, on its end, would commit to never seek a nuclear weapon or conduct any related activities, including operating underground facilities. The country would also allow enhanced inspections and agree to remove its highly enriched uranium from the country.

However, the outlet added, White House officials believe it could be hard for Iranian leadership to reach consensus given the existing internal rifts.