The United States has formally launched mine‑clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying two Navy destroyers as part of a broader effort to reopen one of the world’s most critical trade corridors. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy have already begun operations aimed at removing sea mines allegedly laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
CENTCOM officials say the mission has been complicated by Iran’s poor or incomplete records of where mines were placed. Many devices have drifted or shifted, making detection significantly harder. President Donald Trump announced on social media that mine‑destroying vessels will soon join the effort, describing the operation as essential to restoring global energy flows.
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the two destroyers are part of a “larger operation” to fully clear the strait and establish a new safe passage for commercial shipping. Admiral Brad Cooper confirmed that additional assets including underwater drones will join the mission in the coming days.
The operation comes as the IRGC continues to dispute US claims, insisting that no American warships have entered the strait and warning that any military vessel attempting to do so would face a “strong response.” Iranian officials maintain that control over vessel movement in the strait rests solely with Iran’s armed forces.
CENTCOM says it has also begun work on establishing a new maritime corridor that will soon be opened to civilian vessels to ensure the free flow of global trade. The Strait of Hormuz through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply normally passes has been effectively shut since the outbreak of the US‑Israel conflict with Iran on February 28.
The IRGC began laying mines as part of its blockade following the start of the conflict, but Iranian defense officials now acknowledge they are uncertain about the exact locations of many of the devices.
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