The war may be paused—but the mines remain. Now the US is moving to clear the world’s most critical oil route.
The United States military has begun preparations to clear sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a key step toward restoring global shipping flows amid a fragile ceasefire with Iran.
U.S. Central Command said Saturday that two warships—the USS Frank Peterson and USS Michael Murphy—have transited the waterway as part of operations to “set conditions” for mine-clearing efforts. The mission aims to secure the strait following weeks of disruption caused by Iranian mine-laying activities.
Admiral Brad Cooper said forces have begun establishing a safe maritime passage, which will soon be shared with commercial shipping operators to encourage the resumption of trade.
“Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage,” Cooper said, adding that the goal is to ensure the waterway is “fully clear” of mines.
Earlier, Donald Trump said U.S. forces had already taken significant action against Iran’s naval capabilities, including the destruction of vessels used to deploy mines. His comments could not be independently verified.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of global oil supply typically passes, has been largely disrupted in recent weeks, contributing to volatility in energy markets and rising fuel prices worldwide.
The mine-clearing effort comes as U.S. and Iranian officials meet in Islamabad for negotiations aimed at extending a temporary ceasefire into a broader agreement. Reopening the strait has emerged as a central condition for maintaining the truce.
While the military operation marks progress toward restoring navigation, officials caution that clearing mines is a complex process that could take time.
For now, the effort signals a shift from active conflict to stabilization—though the situation remains uncertain as diplomatic talks continue.
