US Begins Clearing Mines from Strait of Hormuz Post-Ceasefire

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States has begun clearing naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping corridor, following a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The operation aims to restore safe passage for international vessels, including those from China, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany, after Iranian forces deployed the mines during recent hostilities.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described significant degradation of Iran's military capabilities, stating that its navy and air force have been eliminated, anti-aircraft systems destroyed, radar installations neutralized, and missile and drone production facilities largely obliterated. He added that Iran's leadership has been removed and that all 28 of its minelaying boats have been sunk. "The only thing they have going is the threat that a ship may bump into one of their sea mines," Trump wrote, noting that the mines' locations are not fully tracked, complicating removal efforts.

U.S. officials confirmed that the mine-clearing process addresses hazards left by Iran's deployment last month, which reduced ship traffic and elevated global energy prices. The...