US claims mine clearance in Hormuz Strait; Iran calls it 'propaganda lies'

The United States announced that mines have been cleared from a key shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could significantly diminish Iran's leverage in its ongoing pressure campaign against the U.S. However, conflicting statements from Iran, which denied the U.S. claim and called it "propaganda lies," have cast doubt on the extent of the mine removal.

President Donald Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he received reports of all mines being cleared or detonated in the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that any vessel attempting to re-lay mines would face immediate and systematic destruction, adding that the U.S. Space Force is monitoring the entire strait. U.S. officials, cited by Axios, indicated that the Navy had cleared mines from the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the central strait between Iran and Oman. The U.S. Navy reportedly used underwater drones over several months to locate and clear over 100 suspected mines with the help of private contractors.

While the U.S. officials confirmed clearing mines from the central shipping lane, the scope appears narrower than Trump's claim of clearing "all mines in international waters." If the central route is indeed secure, it could allow for two-way traffic alongside the southern route along Oman's coast, potentially increasing oil transport volumes. Axios suggested that mine removal could weaken Iran's influence over the global energy market and its negotiating position with the Trump administration.

Adding to the complexity, Iran and Oman jointly announced a phased plan that includes establishing a temporary joint shipping route and a joint mine-clearing operation. Oman's Foreign Minister, Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi, expressed hope for practical measures to restore safe navigation soon after meeting with his Iranian counterpart. Meanwhile, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, directly refuted the U.S. claims as "propaganda lies" and warned that U.S. minesweepers entering the strait could become targets.

Gharibabadi clarified that even with a temporary route, full passage would not be immediately permitted. He stated that inbound lanes would use Iranian waters, while outbound lanes would use Omani territorial waters, with both passing through Iranian waters. The southern route favored by the U.S. would be closed, and only merchant ships would be allowed, with warships prohibited. Iran insists that the U.S. must first fulfill its obligations under a June memorandum of understanding, alongside guarantees for ending the war, lifting U.S. maritime blockades, and resolving the Yemen crisis. He warned that the strait would remain closed if Iran's demands are not met.