Two U.S. Navy destroyers conducted operations in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, commencing mine clearance efforts to establish safe commercial passage through the critical waterway. USS vessels transited the strait and operated in the Arabian Gulf as CENTCOM launched systematic removal of naval mines previously laid by Iranian forces.
Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, announced the initiative establishes “a new passage” that will be shared with maritime industry to encourage commerce resumption. Additional American forces including underwater drones will join the clearance effort in coming days, indicating extended timeline for comprehensive operations.
The military action proceeded simultaneously with historic trilateral talks in Islamabad involving the United States, Pakistan, and Iran. President Trump stated earlier Saturday that Hormuz would “soon be open” and that empty ships are “rushing to the United States to load up,” while claiming American forces cleared the strait as a favor to global partners including China, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany.
Trump asserted Saturday that the United States has “destroyed Iran’s military,” repeating claims that Iranian naval, air, and missile capabilities have been eliminated. The characterization of comprehensive victory framed ongoing negotiations as proceeding from total American dominance rather than mutual compromise.
The unilateral clearance operation—conducted without explicit Iranian coordination—tests ceasefire terms that required Tehran’s cooperation for safe passage. Whether this represents American interpretation of “open strait” commitment or deliberate pressure tactic remains unclear as talks extended past nine hours in Pakistan.
U.S. Destroyers Begin Hormuz Mine Clearance Operations
U.S. Navy destroyers begin Hormuz mine clearance as CENTCOM establishes new commercial passage. Operations proceed alongside extended Islamabad talks as Trump claims Iran's military destruction and predicts imminent strait reopening.
