On Saturday, President Trump announced that the U.S. Navy has begun mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial step toward ensuring safe passage in this essential waterway.
Two guided-missile destroyers, the USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and the USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), have carried out operations in the Arabian Gulf as detailed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). This marks the start of a larger endeavor to eliminate sea mines that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps previously deployed.
“Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,” CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated in a press release. The statement revealed that additional American assets, including underwater drones, will join the mine-clearing mission soon.
President Trump reaffirmed the operation in a post on Truth Social, stating, “We’re now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to Countries all over the World, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and many others.” He also noted, “All 28 of Iran’s mine-laying boats are lying at the bottom of the sea.”
U.S. President Donald J. Trump said earlier that the U.S. is now in the process of clearing the Strait of Hormuz of mines, following reports that U.S. naval vessels transited the strait this morning. According to President Trump, during Operation Epic Fury, 28 Iranian mine laying… pic.twitter.com/fQGHDAmOES
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 11, 2026
This initiative comes at a time when the Strait of Hormuz, responsible for transporting about one-fifth of the world’s oil exports, has faced blockades by Iranian forces since the current conflict began on February 28. The regime has maintained control of the strait using mines, fast boats, and one-way drones, almost halting maritime traffic entirely for weeks.
The operation unfolds despite Iranian threats to attack U.S. vessels operating in the region. Earlier that day, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned of potential attacks on the mine-clearing ships and set a deadline for withdrawal.
Statements from CENTCOM and War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that American ships successfully navigated the strait and initiated their clearance mission, undeterred by Iranian provocations.
This operation takes place amid a tenuous two-week ceasefire and critical negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan. Vice President JD Vance heads the U.S. delegation in talks with Iranian and Pakistani officials, aiming to transform the ceasefire into a durable agreement.
Key negotiation topics include reopening the Strait of Hormuz for unrestricted commercial shipping, easing sanctions, limiting nuclear enrichment, and addressing regional security issues involving Lebanon.
