US claims progress in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, saying two merchant ships have transited

The U.S. military says two American-flagged merchant ships have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and that Navy guided-missile destroyers in the Persian Gulf were helping to restore shipping traffic. It separately denied Iran’s claims to have struck an American Navy vessel. Monday's announcement came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new initiative to help guide ships through the critical waterway for global energy. Iran has effectively closed the strait since the U.S...