U.S. Navy Initiates Mine Clearance in Strait of Hormuz Amid Ceasefire Talks
U.S. Navy destroyers commence mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran disputes the presence of American warships in the area.
On April 11, 2026, two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers, the USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy, transited the Strait of Hormuz to initiate mine-clearing operations in the strategic waterway. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that this mission aims to ensure the strait is free of sea mines previously laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, announced plans to establish a new passage for commercial shipping, with additional U.S. forces, including underwater drones, set to join the clearance effort in the coming days.
Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, through spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari, strongly denied that U.S. vessels had approached or entered the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that control over vessel passage remains with Iran's armed forces.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments, with approximately 20% of the world's oil supply passing through it. The waterway has been effectively closed for weeks following Iran's mining of the area in response to U.S. and Israeli attacks, leading to increased energy prices and slower economic growth forecasts.
This development coincides with ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, aimed at stabilizing a fragile two-week ceasefire and addressing issues such as Iran's nuclear and missile programs, as well as control over the Strait of Hormuz.