International shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz are now free of Iranian sea mines, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Thursday. The declaration marks a significant milestone in the six-month conflict involving Iran.
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM, confirmed in a video statement that U.S. forces have successfully cleared mines laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. "Internationally recognized transit routes in the strait are free of Iranian sea mines, thanks to the incredible work of the U.S. military," Cooper stated.
The de-mining effort, described as meticulous and dangerous, involved U.S. Navy divers, Navy SEALs, and air power from multiple branches of the military. These forces worked under hazardous conditions to clear the long-standing shipping lanes.
CENTCOM reported that over the past few months, nearly 1,500 commercial vessels have safely transited the strait with coordinated protection, allowing approximately 750 million barrels of crude oil to pass through. Concurrently, Iran has exported no oil from its ports since mid-July, following the resumption of a U.S. naval blockade.
"No ships have entered or left an Iranian port without our permission," Cooper asserted, adding that passage has only been granted on humanitarian grounds. American forces have intercepted 75 vessels attempting to bypass the blockade and disabled three that failed to comply with directives.
The announcement follows President Trump's earlier claims on social media regarding the clearance of mines in the Strait of Hormuz. On August 18, Trump posted that "all water mines have been removed or detonated" and that "The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating."