US Navy resumes ship escorts in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. Navy has resumed supporting ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. military officials. Officials stated that a Greek-owned Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) carrying two million barrels of crude oil was escorted by the U.S. Navy as it passed through waters near Oman. The vessel had been stranded in the Middle East Gulf region since early March and is now en route to India to deliver its cargo. This escort operation marks the restart of the "Freedom Plan," an initiative by the U.S. to support vessels navigating this key maritime route. The plan had previously been suspended about 36 hours after its initial launch. Officials added that the U.S. Navy plans to assist approximately 10 more ships, including VLCCs and container ships, in transiting the area within the next few days.