Trump says all mines cleared from Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has announced that the US Navy has successfully cleared all mines from the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iran was informed that any future mine placement would face immediate and systematic destruction, according to Trump's statement on his Truth Social platform. The closure of the strait has led to significant price volatility in the global oil market.

Before the ongoing war, approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas were transported through the Strait of Hormuz. Since February 28th, Iran has retaliated against various US targets, including ships, vessels, US bases, and Arab allies in the Gulf. A ceasefire aimed at resolving the conflict has broken down, leading to intermittent exchanges of fire between the US and Iran.

In response, the US has imposed economic sanctions on Iran, warning that any nation partnering financially with Iran will face isolation. Iran and the US had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June, which set a 60-day deadline to negotiate the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran's nuclear allegations. However, this deadline has expired, resulting in the imposition of new US sanctions that Trump believes will weaken the Iranian regime.

Iran, under sanctions since the founding of the Islamic Republic in 1979, is fully prepared to face the additional economic challenges. China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, has strongly condemned the US sanctions, stating it will take all necessary measures to protect its interests. Iran has expressed a desire to regain full control over the Strait of Hormuz, a claim disputed by the US and other nations who consider the passage as international waters.

Recent talks between Iran and Oman, a US ally, aimed at establishing a temporary shipping corridor have not yielded an agreement. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi expressed hope for future arrangements to restore safe navigation and a permanent solution through ongoing discussions with Iranian officials. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabad confirmed that the south corridor would be closed, and only commercial vessels will be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.