U.S. Central Command said late Thursday that the U.S. military has cleared the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian sea mines. File Photo by EPA
Aug. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. military said it has clear the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian mines, removing a major obstacle to President Donald Trump's goal of regaining freedom of navigation through the vital energy route, though Iran refutes the claim.
The strait has become a focal point in the U.S. war against Iran, which has been restricting maritime traffic at the chokepoint via military drones, missiles and mines since the conflict began.
Trump has repeatedly stated for months that the strait is open, despite the number of ships making it through each day dwindling from about 140 vessels to only a handful.
U.S. Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper announced in a video posted online that the U.S. military has "achieved a major milestone" in the Strait of Hormuz.
