Trump Claims Full Demining of Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Allied Concerns

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the U.S. Navy had removed or detonated all mines from the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement referenced a prior declaration on August 18 that the waterway was “open” and that “all water mines” had been cleared. Trump also warned that any vessel placing new mines would be “immediately and systematically destroyed” under a “Zero Tolerance” policy.

Trump Says U.S. Navy Has Cleared All Mines From Strait of Hormuz

Unidentified U.S. allies, speaking on condition of anonymity, contend that de-mining efforts have not eliminated the estimated 80 to 150 mines laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Becca Wasser, Bloomberg Economics defense lead, warned that “it is highly unlikely that all the mines in the strait have been cleared.” The International Maritime Organization similarly urged shippers to exercise maximum caution.

Bloomberg

U.S. Central Command reported that two destroyers transited the strait as part of a broader mission to ensure clearance. Admiral Brad Cooper told Congress that U.S. strikes had destroyed more than 90 % of Iran’s estimated inventory of roughly 8,000 stored mines. Nonetheless, experts note that mines can drift from original positions, and harder-to-detect Maham mines may remain. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserted that only the Islamic Republic knows the locations of remaining mines and that any U.S. de-mining vessels would be “excellent targets.” Iranian and Omani officials have discussed a temporary joint maritime corridor for mine clearance.

BloombergTrump Says U.S. Navy Has Cleared All Mines From Strait of Hormuz

U.S. military chiefs plan to coordinate with European allies on a reassurance mission once a ceasefire is secured. The United Kingdom and France are preparing broader de-mining operations contingent on a sustainable ceasefire.

Bloomberg

• “I have just been informed by the United States Navy that all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz,” — Donald Trump, doubt on president

Trump Says U.S. Navy Has Cleared All Mines From Strait of Hormuz

• “It is highly unlikely that all the mines in the strait have been cleared,” — Becca Wasser

Bloomberg