The U.S. military has removed Iranian sea mines from key transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command head Admiral Brad Cooper announced Friday. Forces led by Navy divers and SEALs cleared the mines, which Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps laid in April, during a hazardous operation described as both challenging and dangerous.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical oil shipping corridor, and Iran had warned of mines and advised alternate routes in April. Two U.S. destroyers, the USS Michael Murphy and USS Frank E. Petersen, began mine clearance operations shortly after. The effort involved Navy divers, SEALs, and aircraft from multiple branches, though the total number of mines removed or disabled was not disclosed.
Cooper confirmed the routes are now clear, but the U.S. blockade of the strait remains active. More than 20 warships have turned back 75 vessels and disabled three since July. The announcement comes as the six-month mark of the Iran war passed, with fighting resuming in July despite a lapsed 60-day pause agreement.
