U.S. forces launched an effort to guide commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. The first two ships were American-flagged merchant vessels and sailed through unscathed. Central Command said its effort to establish a safety corridor involves guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft and 15,000 service members. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. forces prefer a peaceful effort to “guide” the more than 22,500 mariners stuck on more than 1,550 vessels out of the Persian Gulf. But they're ready if needs change. Iran denounced the move as a ceasefire violation. Hegseth said the ceasefire remains in effect.