Trump says US Navy cleared all mines from Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump asserted on Tuesday that the US Navy had removed or detonated all mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international waterway, and warned Iran against placing new ones. The claim, made via his Truth Social platform, came amid heightened tensions over access to the strait, which remains a focal point of geopolitical conflict in the Middle East.

"I have just been informed by the United States Navy that all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz,"

Donald Trump, via Truth Social

Trump emphasized a “zero tolerance” policy for mine placement in the strait, stating that any vessel attempting to lay new mines would be “immediately and systematically destroyed.” He also claimed the US Space Force was monitoring “every square inch” of the waterway, though no official confirmation of this surveillance was cited in early reports. The statement followed a recent incident on Monday, when a bulk carrier attempting to exit the strait was struck by an unidentified projectile, resulting in one casualty and damage to its engine room, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy shipments, has seen oil transits drop to 5 million barrels per day, down from over 20 million barrels per day before the war, according to provisional data cited by Reuters. Iran, which has largely closed the strait since the conflict began on 28 February, has disputed Washington’s characterization of the waterway’s status. The Egyptian Gazette noted that Iran’s closure had caused “wild fluctuations in the price of oil on world markets,” while Trump has repeatedly asserted US control over the area, though he has not explained how this would be achieved legally.

Trump’s claim of mine clearance contrasts with a joint statement from Iran and Oman on Tuesday, which proposed a “temporary navigational corridor” through the strait and agreed to a joint project to clear mines. The statement, published by Oman’s foreign ministry, called for technical negotiations to establish a permanent corridor and shared security mechanisms. However, no independent verification of the US Navy’s actions was provided in the sources, and the US Navy had not issued a public confirmation of the operation as of the latest reports.

The incident involving the bulk carrier and the ongoing dispute over the strait’s accessibility underscore the risks facing commercial vessels in the region. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported eight vessel attacks in the strait this month alone, highlighting the persistent instability. Trump’s assertion of mine clearance coincided with his broader rhetoric on the conflict, including a previous claim that the strait was “open and operating normally” and that underwater mines had been removed or detonated.

Iran’s response to the US stance included a statement on Tuesday about a “2-year plan to withstand Trump ‘Economic D-Day’ sanctions,” as reported by Fox News. The country has also retaliated against US and Israeli interests in the region, including strikes on US bases and Gulf allies. Meanwhile, the US has sought to bolster its presence in the strait, with Trump’s comments reflecting a strategy of asserting dominance amid regional volatility.

The conflicting narratives—Trump’s assertion of US-led mine clearance versus Iran’s insistence on its own control—highlight the broader struggle over the strait’s future. While the US emphasizes its military and technological capabilities, Iran and its allies continue to challenge Washington’s influence. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation or diplomatic efforts to address the security concerns of all parties involved.