US Navy Begins Mine Clearance in Strait of Hormuz, Iran Denies Claims

The US Navy has initiated a mine-clearing operation in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a move immediately and forcefully rejected by Iranian authorities who deny both the presence of American warships and the existence of any Iranian-laid mines in the area.

The operation was announced by US Central Command (CENTCOM), which stated that preparations began on April 11th. The destroyers USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy transited the strait and are operating in the Persian Gulf as part of a mission to ensure "the complete clearance of mines previously laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps."

"Today we began the process of creating a new passageway, and soon we will provide this safe path to the maritime industry to promote the free flow of commerce," stated Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.

Former US President Donald Trump also commented on the operation via his Truth Social platform, writing, "We are now beginning the process of demining the Strait of Hormuz in gratitude to countries around the world." He further claimed that 28 Iranian mortars had been destroyed.

Iran has categorically dismissed these reports as "fake news." Iranian state television reported that no American vessel crossed the strait, which is a critical global chokepoint for energy shipments. Tehran has effectively blockaded the waterway, though Trump has pledged to reopen it.

The development follows a first round of US-Iran talks mediated by Pakistan in Islamabad. The status of those negotiations remains unclear, with reports indicating fluctuating tensions during the discussions. The Strait of Hormuz was reportedly a central item on the agenda.

According to Iranian state media and officials, Tehran's demands extend beyond control of the strait. They include the release of frozen assets abroad, payment of war reparations, and a ceasefire across the region, including Lebanon. The US position has consistently emphasized ensuring unimpeded global navigation through the strait and curbing Iran's uranium enrichment program.