- US officials have announced that Iranian mines have been cleared from the Strait of Hormuz.
- Trump's allies have expressed doubt about the clearance, warning that the strait is still likely mined.
- American officials rejected the allies' assessment, stating that the figures regarding remaining mines were outdated.
- Trump referred to the strait as a very functioning strait and reiterated his claim that no mines remained.
- Treasury Secretary reported that the US had guided 130 million barrels of oil out through Hormuz over the past 14 days.
- Bessent is leading an effort to isolate Iran's economy with sanctions and curbs.
The U.S. has announced the clearance of mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil and gas supplies. Admiral Brad Cooper stated, “The circumstances were challenging and dangerous, to say the least, but we got the job done.” The operation involved divers, SEALs, and aircraft, and was detailed in a video presentation.1
Despite these claims, U.S. allies remain skeptical. They warn that the strait, which is vital for transporting oil, natural gas, and fertilizer, is still likely mined. Estimates suggest that between 80 to 150 mines may still be present, posing ongoing risks to commercial shipping.
American officials have dismissed these concerns, asserting that the figures are outdated. One unnamed source stated that the U.S. has successfully ensured the safety of international shipping lanes, with Cooper declaring, “Bottom line, today, international shipping lanes are open and momentum is building.” Meanwhile, former President Trump referred to the strait as a “very functioning strait,” reiterating his belief that no mines remain.34
In the past two weeks, the U.S. has reportedly guided 130 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, as Treasury Secretary Bessent leads efforts to impose sanctions on Iran to isolate its economy.56
“US allies privately warn the strait remains likely mined, with an estimated 80 to 150 mines possibly still in place, while American officials reject that assessment as outdated. Treasury Secretary Bessent, leading sanctions to isolate Iran's economy, says the US guided 130 million barrels of oil through Hormuz in the past 14 days.”
