11.04.2026 21:11
The U.S. Central Command announced that it has launched a comprehensive mine-clearing operation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. This move, occurring during a critical period of direct diplomatic contacts between the U.S. and Iran, is seen as a turning point in establishing navigation security in the region.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it has begun a mine-clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
STATEMENT FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
CENTCOM made a statement regarding the mine-clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz on the day direct talks between the U.S. and Iran began, through a post on the social media platform of the U.S.-based company X.
BEGAN ON APRIL 11
In its statement, the U.S. military noted, "CENTCOM forces began preparations for mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz on April 11, following an operation conducted by two U.S. Navy destroyers."
U.S. NAVY ON THE GROUND
The statement recorded that, in this context, two frigates named USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy passed through the Strait of Hormuz as part of a comprehensive mission aimed at ensuring the complete removal of mines and conducted operations in the Arabian Gulf.
CLAIM OF "MINES AS THE REASON FOR HORMUZ NOT OPENING"
Meanwhile, according to a report by the NYT, unnamed U.S. officials claimed that Iran could not open the strait to more ship traffic because it could not locate all the mines it had laid in the Strait of Hormuz. The officials also asserted that Iran "does not have the capability to clear the mines it has placed."
It was stated that CENTCOM began mine-clearing for this reason.