Story perspectives

Iran Mines Hormuz; Trump Orders Navy to Engage

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Spokesperson Sean Parnell called the six-month Strait of Hormuz mine-clearance estimate false and unacceptable.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps laid mines in the strait, prompting a U.S. Navy blockade.
President Donald Trump urged the Navy to shoot boats laying mines, saying sweepers are clearing waterway.
The United Kingdom is readying divers and mine-hunter systems for the effort.
U.S. forces have two littoral combat ships and two Avenger-class minesweepers for the effort.

History

Historical Context

On 14 April 1988 an Iranian mine damaged the U.S. frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts during Operation Earnest Will. Four days later, President Ronald Reagan ordered Operation Praying Mantis, in which U.S. warships and A-6 Intruder aircraft destroyed two Iranian oil platforms, two frigates and several smaller vessels. The raid pressured Iran toward the July 1988 cease-fire that ended the Iran-Iraq War.

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Story summary

Spokesperson Sean Parnell called the six-month Strait of Hormuz mine-clearance estimate false and unacceptable.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps laid mines in the strait, prompting a U.S. Navy blockade.
President Donald Trump urged the Navy to shoot boats laying mines, saying sweepers are clearing waterway.
The United Kingdom is readying divers and mine-hunter systems for the effort.
U.S. forces have two littoral combat ships and two Avenger-class minesweepers for the effort.

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