Admiral Brad Cooper

U.S.

Admiral Brad Cooper, the commanding officer, said the first day of the operation wasn't easy.

Most of the Iranian fire was directed at the merchant ships, though U.S.

naval vessels also came under fire.

None of the ships was hit.

Cooper says the U.S.

plans to expand the operation, though it's not yet clear how many commercial ships will be willing to take the risk, even with U.S.

protection.

Hundreds of merchant ships are still stranded in the Gulf due to Iran's blockade.

Greg Myhre, NPR News, Washington.

Admiral Brad Cooper said that U.S.

forces are working to create a safe passage for stranded oil tankers through the Strait, and that this is a defensive mission on behalf of the international community affected by Iran's blockade.

Speaking to reporters by phone, he said U.S.

warships and tankers took no damage.

The ceasefire question is key to the debate over whether the war with Iran has passed the 60-day mark and would require congressional approval under the War Powers Resolution.

Last week, President Trump said in a letter to Congress that the ceasefire meant the war was, quote, terminated before the 60-day mark, despite ongoing naval blockades, which are acts of war.

Quill Lawrence, NPR News.

Admiral Brad Cooper said that U.S.

forces are working to create a safe passage for stranded oil tankers through the strait, and that this is a defensive mission on behalf of the international community affected by Iran's blockade.

Speaking to reporters by phone, he said U.S.