The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that U.S. forces have cleared Iranian sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz, laid months ago by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In a video update on X late Thursday, Commander Adm. Brad Cooper termed the achievement a “major milestone,” stating that “international shipping lanes are open and momentum is building.”
He shared a nautical chart of the Strait of Hormuz and said the mine-clearing operation over the months was challenging and involved meticulous efforts of the Navy divers, special operations, and air assets, among other forces.
“The circumstances were challenging and dangerous to say the least, but we got the job done,” said Cooper.
In recent months, nearly 1,500 vessels carrying approximately 750 million barrels of crude oil have navigated the waterway, said Cooper. Concurrently, around 50,000 U.S. troops have been enforcing a “highly effective” naval blockade, as a result of which there were ‘zero” oil exports from Iran, he said.
