CENTCOM says Strait of Hormuz cleared of Iranian mines, commercial traffic resumes
U.S. Central Command reported that primary transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz have been cleared of mines, allowing merchant vessels to pass freely, while Iran's IRGC questioned the claims.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the main internationally recognised transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz have been cleared of Iranian sea mines, enabling commercial vessels to navigate the waterway without restriction. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said an aerial survey showed dozens of cargo, crude oil and LNG ships transiting the strait while U.S. assets, including advanced sea drones, provided a defensive patrol layer.
Cooper noted the absence of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vessels in the area and highlighted that Gulf partners have exported more than 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil since the summer. He added that U.S. forces, in coordination with regional partners and the shipping industry, have maintained a blockade that prevents Iran from exporting oil.
The IRGC’s deputy head of public relations, Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi, responded to CENTCOM’s statements, calling for independent verification of the minesweeping operations and emphasizing that control of the strait depends on physical military presence rather than media reports.
Both sides presented their positions as the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz continues to influence regional maritime security.