US Claims Control Over Strait of Hormuz After Clearing Iranian Mines

The White House has declared that the United States controls the Strait of Hormuz, claiming American forces have cleared Iranian mines and protected nearly 1,500 commercial vessels.

In a statement citing the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the White House said American forces were keeping global energy supplies moving while denying Iran revenue that Washington says could be used to threaten international commerce.

The assertions were presented by the administration as evidence supporting President Donald Trump's repeated statements that the US Navy had gained control over the strait.

Around 1,500 commercial vessels have traveled through the waterway under US protection, carrying 750 million barrels of crude oil to international markets. Iran has exported no oil from its shores since an American blockade resumed in July, according to the White House.