Allies dispute US claim Hormuz mines cleared
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai US allies believe mines remain in the Strait of Hormuz despite President Donald Trump’s declaration that American forces have cleared the strategic waterway, exposing a widening difference over the security of one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Allied assessments indicate that US forces have removed or destroyed some Iranian mines in international waters…
US allies are skeptical of President Donald Trump's claim that American forces have fully cleared the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian sea mines. Despite Trump's declaration on August 25, US Central Command maintains that only a portion of the strait is free of mines, following months of clearance operations. Allied governments estimate between 80 and 150 mines were laid by Iran, though the exact number and locations remain unclear.
US officials question these figures, suggesting some may be outdated. The disagreement centers on what constitutes a cleared strait, with US forces focusing on the internationally recognized shipping channel between Iran and Oman. Concerns persist that mines in other areas could still pose a threat to commercial shipping, as sea mines are challenging to detect.
While commercial traffic has increased since the conflict began, it remains far below pre-war levels. The strait handles about one-fifth of global petroleum consumption, making even limited disruptions significant for crude prices and markets. Iran disputes Washington's account, claiming only Tehran knows the exact mine locations and questioning why commercial traffic hasn't returned.
Tehran and Oman have proposed a temporary maritime arrangement involving a narrow shipping corridor and joint mine-clearance efforts. However, Iran insists the temporary agreement does not fully reopen Hormuz and links it to broader political disputes with the US.
Written by urgent.news from Arabian Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
