US declares Strait of Hormuz mine-free, Trump issues ultimatum to Iran

President Donald Trump issued a stark warning Tuesday, vowing to "immediately and systematically destroy" any Iranian ships or boats that plant new mines in the Strait of Hormuz. "There is a zero-tolerance policy for new mine-laying, fully in effect," Trump declared on Truth Social. He added that the U.S. military has confirmed that all mines in the vital waterway have been either destroyed or disarmed. U.S. Space Force is closely monitoring the Strait of Hormuz, as well as other sensitive sites, Trump also stated. These remarks follow new measures announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent aimed at isolating Iran from the global economy by targeting countries and financial institutions doing business with Tehran. Details on the timeline for these measures were not provided. Meanwhile, Iranian and Omani foreign ministers discussed a framework agreement on Tuesday. This agreement would establish a temporary navigation corridor in the Strait of Hormuz and include a mine-clearing operation along the waterway, crucial for global trade. The two coastal nations are working to regulate navigation through the strait, which remains a focal point of Middle East conflict.

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Iran has been advised that any vessel or boat that lays new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed.