India, April 13 -- The US military said two of its destroyers transited the critical waterway in the Strait of Hormuz ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began. "We're sweeping the strait. Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me," Trump said as talks extended into early Sunday morning.

Iran's State media, however, reported the country's joint military command denied that.

Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has proved its biggest strategic advantage in the war. Around a fifth of the world's traded oil had typically passed through on over 100 ships a day. Only 12 have been recorded transiting since the ceasefire.

On Saturday, Trump said on social media that the US had begun "clearing out" the strait. "T...