US says Iranian mines cleared from Strait of Hormuz; Trump allies aren’t convinced
US Central Command claims to have cleared Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz, though some allies remain skeptical of the progress. The operation is part of a broader effort to secure international shipping lanes amid ongoing tensions.
Why it matters
The security of the Strait of Hormuz is critical for global energy markets, as it serves as a primary transit point for oil and gas.
The top US commander for the Middle East said that American forces have cleared Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz, after Washington’s allies expressed doubts about similar claims by President Donald Trump.Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, said in the three-and-a-half-minute video released Thursday night that “over the past few months, our forces meticulously and quietly” cleared the international shipping lanes of mines. The work was carried out by Navy divers and SEALs, as well as aircraft.“The circumstances were challenging and dangerous, to say the least, but we got the job done,” Cooper added in the video, which included a detailed map and a diagram. “Bottom line, today, international shipping lanes are open and momentum is building.”US allies, however, have privately warned that the strait, a key thoroughfare for Middle East oil, natural gas and fertilizer, was still likely mined.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in