US says Iranian mines cleared from Strait of Hormuz; Trump allies aren’t convinced

Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, announced that American forces have cleared Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command released a three-and-a-half-minute video detailing their efforts. Cooper's team, comprising Navy divers, SEALs, and aircraft, worked to clear the international shipping lanes, which are crucial for Middle East oil, gas, and fertilizer transport.

Cooper emphasized the challenges and danger involved in the task, stating that international shipping lanes are now open and momentum is growing. However, US allies have privately expressed doubts about the clearance, warning that the strait may still be mined. The strait's mines and attacks on commercial vessels had severely limited shipping since the US and Israel initiated the conflict with Iran in late February.

According to people familiar with the situation, the US believes that the mines are not entirely cleared, despite their official claims. Trump recently insisted that the strait was functioning and free of mines. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reported that the US has guided 130 million barrels of oil out through Hormuz in the past 14 days, further pushing for economic sanctions on Iran.

Iran has maintained control over the strait and has been a contentious point in negotiations with the US. Iran's military announced a revenue-sharing deal with Oman, which borders the strait, on the sidelines of ongoing discussions.