Trump says all mines cleared from Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump declared that the U.S. Navy has successfully removed or detonated all mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit route. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that any ship or boat attempting to lay new mines would face immediate and systematic destruction.

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Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed.

Iran has not yet commented on the U.S. announcement. The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas transited before the current conflict, has been a point of contention. Iran had previously signaled its intent to close the strait, leading to significant volatility in global oil prices.

The declaration comes amidst escalating tensions and a collapse of ceasefire talks aimed at ending the war, which began with U.S. and Israeli air strikes against Iran on February 28. The U.S. recently imposed a new round of economic sanctions against Iran, which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent believes will lead to the collapse of the Iranian regime. Iran's Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh, however, stated Tehran is "fully prepared" for the sanctions, calling them "another defeat" for the U.S.

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Tehran was 'fully prepared' for the wider sanctions, which he added would lead to 'another defeat' for the US.

China, a major buyer of Iranian oil, has voiced strong opposition to the U.S. sanctions, labeling them "illegal unilateral sanctions" and vowing to protect its interests. The U.S. announcement precedes planned talks between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month, with Washington likely anticipating potential retaliation from Beijing, given China's control over critical rare earth minerals.

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China... said it was firmly opposed to what it called the US's 'illegal unilateral sanctions' and would take 'all necessary measures' to safeguard its rights.