U.S. says 2 ships crossed Hormuz, Iran threatens “force” if more try it

(Barak Ravid – Axios) Two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels sailed out of the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday with the assistance of the U.S. Navy, CENTCOM said in a statement. These were the first two vessels that transited the strait since the U.S. military launched “Project Freedom” to “guide” ships through on Monday morning. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. (IRGC) denied any ships had passed through the strait in recent hours, adding: “Any other maritime activity that contradicts the declared principles of the IRGC Navy will face serious risks, and violating vessels will be stopped by force.” – U.S. says 2 ships crossed Hormuz, Iran threatens “force” if more try it