U.S. clears mines from Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes

U.S. forces have cleared sea mines from the internationally recognized shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, the head of U.S. Central Command announced on August 28, 2026, marking a significant step in reopening the critical global waterway amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Admiral Brad Cooper stated in a video message that the operation, which involved months of work by Navy divers, SEALs, and multi-service air power, had successfully removed threats laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Cooper described the mission as challenging and dangerous, but emphasized that the internationally recognized Traffic Separation Scheme lanes are now open. He reported that U.S. forces have facilitated the transit of nearly 1,500 vessels carrying approximately 750 million barrels of crude oil through the strait. The announcement follows President Donald Trump's declaration earlier in the week that all mines had been removed or detonated from international waters in the strait.

Despite the U.S. declaration, maritime authorities have issued continued warnings. The Joint Maritime Information Center noted that a risk from drifting or uncharted mines remains in and near the shipping...