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.