US Claims Strait of Hormuz Cleared of Iranian Mines, Allies Skeptical

The Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for Middle East oil and natural gas, has been cleared of Iranian mines by US forces. According to Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, Navy divers and SEALs worked with aircraft to remove the mines over several months.

The effort, which was 'challenging and dangerous', as Cooper put it, resulted in international shipping lanes being 'open and momentum building'. However, some US allies have expressed doubts about the claim, warning that the strait remains mined.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US has guided 130 million barrels of oil through the strait over the past 14 days. The move is part of a broader effort to isolate Iran's economy and force Tehran's capitulation.