Strait of Hormuz. A critical global oil transit route. Has continued to see significantly reduced traffic even after a ceasefire was declared, according to data reviewed by CBS News. Only about a dozen ships passed through the waterway in the first two days of the ceasefire, far below normal traffic levels before the conflict began.

Disputed Accounts of the Attack

Survivors of an Iranian attack that killed six U.S. service members have disputed the Pentagon’s description of events, claiming their unit in Kuwait was left dangerously exposed. The incident has raised questions about the accuracy of military reports and the safety of U.S. personnel in the region.

Trade Market Reactions

Meanwhile, U.S. futures markets have eased from session highs, reflecting uncertainty about the geopolitical situation in the Middle East — the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point for global trade, with its reduced traffic impacting oil prices and supply chains.

The data showing only 12 ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz in the first two days of the ceasefire highlights the ongoing disruption in the region. Normally, the waterway sees a much higher volume of shipping traffic, which is important for global oil supplies.

Political and Legal Developments

Political developments have also been unfolding. First lady Melania Trump delivered a televised statement denying a relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, White House aides received an email last month warning them not to place bets on prediction markets with nonpublic information, as revealed by CBS News.

A federal judge recently blocked a restrictive new Defense Department press policy, ruling that previous press restrictions issued by the Pentagon were unlawful; this decision comes amid broader scrutiny of government transparency and communication protocols.

California’s attorney general filed charges against 21 suspects, accusing them of defrauding the state of $267 million, though this follows a CBS News investigation into hospice fraud, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat financial misconduct at the state level.

In a separate development, a politically connected nonprofit animal shelter was found to have influenced the Department of Justice’s approach on animal cruelty crimes and their prosecution, according to reports.

The president announced that a new arch will commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. This project is part of a broader initiative to celebrate American heritage and historical milestones.

Few ships passed through the waterway on Wednesday and Thursday despite the ceasefire agreement, which was intended to open the vital waterway for global oil transit. The continued low traffic raises concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further disruptions.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz exposes the complex interplay between geopolitical tensions and global trade. As the region remains volatile, the impact on oil prices and international shipping routes continues to be a major concern for economists and policymakers alike.