Trump: Mines Cleared from Entire Hormuz Strait, Risks Remain

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that mines have been cleared from the entire Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint. However, he cautioned that risks persist, not only from potential Iranian drone attacks but also from the possibility of new mines being laid. Trump indicated that while mines have been removed, Iran occasionally lays new ones, which are subsequently found.

This ongoing nature of mine clearance was indirectly confirmed by U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Vance stated that the Iranians had laid a significant number of mines at the beginning of the conflict and that efforts are currently focused on establishing a mechanism for safe navigation. This includes both mine clearance operations and securing assurances from Iran that commercial vessels will not be attacked.

Before the conflict, which began in late February between the U.S. and Israel against Iran, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, was largely undisturbed. This waterway is vital, transporting approximately one-fifth of the world's oil demand, as well as liquefied natural gas and fertilizer.

Following the outbreak of hostilities, Iran's actions, including attacks on ships and threats, nearly halted maritime traffic. This disruption led to sharp increases in global oil and gas prices. According to Vice President Vance, a primary objective for the U.S. is to re-establish oil and gas transport through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels.