US says two American-flagged merchant vessels have gone through Strait of Hormuz

 

Here's the latest

• Strait of Hormuz: Two US-flagged vessels have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, the military said, after denying Iranian media claims that a US ship was hit by missiles from Iran. President Donald Trump said US forces would help guide stranded vessels today.

• Impact on economy: Oil prices rose and stocks fell on renewed concerns about the safety of transiting the waterway, which has remained almost empty of traffic so far today, according to shipping data sites.

• State of negotiations: Meanwhile, Trump said his representatives “are having very positive discussions” with Iran. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said it was reviewing the US’ reply to its latest peace proposal.

• In Lebanon: The Israeli military has issued a fresh evacuation order for four villages in southern Lebanon. The Iran-backed Hezbollah group has continued to trade strikes with Israel during a fragile ceasefire.