On April 11, the USS Frank E Peterson and USS Michael Murphy, both Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) described the mission as part of efforts to clear sea mines laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that a new safe passage would be established to facilitate maritime commerce. However, Iran's military claimed the US vessels were intercepted and forced to retreat, emphasizing that control over the strait is a critical issue in ongoing negotiations. Reports from Iran's state broadcaster, Press TV, alleged that Iranian cruise missiles targeted the destroyers, which purportedly attempted to disguise themselves as commercial vessels. A US official countered that the ships crossed the strait without any warning from Iran. This incident coincided with the conclusion of a 21-hour negotiation session in Pakistan, which did not yield any agreements. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has worsened, with commercial shipping nearly halted since March due to Iranian threats and demands for fees, which are considered illegal under international law.