Navy tests Hormuz blockade as expert says U.S. military prepares for round 2 and could degrade Iran’s hold over the strait to a ‘manageable level’

Ceasefire talks between the U.S. and Iran have begun in Pakistan, but a potential military clash between the two countries is already looming.

On Saturday, U.S. Navy ships navigated through the Strait of Hormuz in a maneuver that wasn’t coordinated with Iran, sources told Axios, marking the first such move since the war started six weeks ago.

The ships crossed the strait into the Persian Gulf, then returned to the Arabian Sea, the report said, with a U.S. official saying the focus was on freedom of navigation.

A statement from U.S. Central Command confirmed that two destroyers transited the strait to begin setting conditions for clearing mines, adding that underwater drones will join the effort.

“Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander ...