U.S. Central Command said Saturday that two naval guided missile destroyers have begun clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as some ships remain unable to pass through the critical waterway despite the ceasefire.
CENTCOM said in a post to
“Today, we began the process of establishing a new shipping lane, and we will soon share this safe shipping lane with the maritime industry to facilitate the free flow of commerce,” said CENTCOM Commander, Admiral Brad Cooper.
The effort seeks to address the threat of sea mines, but Iran can still launch missiles, which, combined with mines, make it difficult for the United States and others to defend ships and secure the straits militarily.
President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social early Saturday that the United States is “beginning the process of clearing the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to countries around the world.”
CNN reported that only about 30 ships have passed through the strait since the cease-fire agreement was reached earlier this week.
CNN’s Leanne Loomer, Lauren Kent and Annette Choi contributed to this post.
