US Navy Initiates Mine Clearance Operations in Strategic Strait of Hormuz
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday that two of its guided-missile destroyers have conducted operations in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic move aims to ensure the vital waterway is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
Destroyers Deployed for Maritime Security Mission
In an official statement posted on social media platform X, CENTCOM revealed that USS Frank E Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the narrow strait and operated in the Arabian Gulf. The operation, which began on April 11, is part of a broader mission to safeguard maritime commerce through one of the world's most crucial oil shipping channels.
"US Central Command forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz on April 11, as two US Navy guided-missile destroyers conducted operations," the statement confirmed.
Establishing New Safe Passage for Global Commerce
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized that the Navy has commenced the process of establishing a new, secure passage through the strait. "Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage, and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce," Admiral Cooper stated.
The military plans to deploy additional forces, including underwater drones, in the coming days to support the clearance effort. US officials noted that many of the mines laid by Iran have become difficult to locate, with some possibly drifting due to sea currents, complicating the operation.
Iran's Response and Escalating Tensions
Meanwhile, Iran has strongly refuted the US claims and issued a stern warning. Iranian authorities stated they warned the US military vessel that it would be attacked "within 30 minutes" if it crossed the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian reports, the US vessel retreated following this warning.
The Strait of Hormuz blockade has served as Tehran's key leverage throughout the conflict initiated by the US and Israel, which recently forced a two-week truce last Wednesday.
Increased Maritime Activity Amid Diplomatic Talks
The warship transit occurred as US President Donald Trump declared, "we are now starting the process of clearing out" the narrow sea passage in the Persian Gulf. According to US officials speaking to Axios, several US Navy ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, marking the first such transit since the war with Iran began. Notably, this passage was not coordinated with Tehran.
In a related development, Bloomberg reported that a Greek vessel transited the strait, followed hours later by two Chinese supertankers passing through the critical chokepoint. This surge in tanker movement occurred even as peace talks between the US and Iran are underway in Pakistan, representing the biggest day of oil shipments through the strait since the conflict began.
The simultaneous military operations and diplomatic negotiations highlight the complex dynamics in the region, where maritime security concerns intersect with global energy markets and international diplomacy.
