US declares Hormuz mine-cleared as Qatar, Iran seek de-escalation and new carrier heads to Middle East

The US Central Command confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz is now 100% free of mines, a major milestone that keeps critical oil shipping lanes open. This operation supported over 1,500 vessels carrying 750 million barrels of oil, involving more than 20 warships and hundreds of aircraft. While commercial traffic remains low, this effort underscores the ongoing US military presence amidst tensions with Iran. However, some sources note that the strait may not be entirely free of mines.

In Tehran, Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss de-escalating regional tensions and create a conducive environment for dialogue. The two sides deliberated on the impact of recent developments on security and stability in the region.

According to a report by the US Naval Institute, a new US aircraft carrier will soon deploy to the Middle East to relieve a ship that recently arrived in the region. The USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group is set to sail from San Diego, California, in the coming weeks, marking a deployment of over seven months. This carrier will relieve the USS George Washington, which recently arrived from Japan and began its deployment last week.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, which had been at sea since November 2025, is also expected to relieve both carriers after reports of challenging conditions onboard.