On Saturday, a senior Iranian military official refuted reports that any US vessel had crossed the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that a warning was issued to a US military ship, threatening an attack if it entered Iranian-controlled waters. This denial came after US President Donald Trump stated that the US was initiating efforts to clear the strait to ensure safe passage for global shipping. Trump claimed that many countries, including China and Japan, lacked the courage to secure the strait themselves, while also noting an increase in oil tankers heading to the US for crude. Despite a fragile ceasefire announced by Pakistan on April 8, maritime traffic through the strait remains significantly below normal levels, with many vessels stranded due to security risks. Meanwhile, peace talks are underway in Islamabad, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mediating discussions between US and Iranian officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.