U.S. Military Launches Mine-Clearing Operations in Strait of Hormuz

Welat TV – Erbil

The United States Central Command announced on Saturday the start of field operations to prepare for the removal of naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with the entry of two U.S. Navy destroyers into the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

In an official statement published on the platform X, CENTCOM said the guided-missile destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen and USS Michael Murphy have already transited the strait to carry out their missions.

The statement noted that the operation is part of a broader effort aimed at “securing the waterway and ensuring it is free of naval mines” previously planted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

For his part, CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper said work is underway to establish a “new maritime corridor,” the technical details of which will be shared soon with the shipping sector, emphasizing that the objective is to ensure the free flow of commercial traffic through this vital artery.

Cooper also revealed plans to deploy additional reinforcements in the coming days, including underwater drones to support mine-clearing operations in the strait.

Earlier, Donald Trump pledged to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, whether or not Iran cooperates, as Washington engages in negotiations with Iranian officials in Pakistan in an effort to reach a peace agreement following a two-week ceasefire announced earlier this week.

The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most critical maritime choke points, with roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies passing through it, making it a cornerstone of global economic stability.