U.S. Clears Hormuz Mines, Boosts Oil Flow Under Blockade

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, detailed the clearance of Iranian sea mines from international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation relied on Navy divers, SEAL teams, and air support to remove mines placed months earlier by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Those lanes now allow safe passage for commercial traffic.

Nearly 1,500 vessels have transited the strait under this protection, carrying about 750 million barrels of crude oil to global markets. In the most recent two weeks alone, 130 million barrels moved through the routes. Iranian exports have remained at zero since the naval blockade began. US forces turned away 75 vessels attempting to breach it and disabled three others that did not comply.

The effort followed Iran's attempt to close the waterway early in the conflict that began in late February. Iranian forces laid mines in the main traffic separation scheme and threatened attacks on tankers. General Alireza Tangsiri, then head of the IRGC Navy, issued the mining order before his death in an Israeli strike. Commercial shipping had dropped sharply under the threat of mines and harassment.

President Trump described the current situation as one where the strait functions again and Iranian responses have stayed limited. The outcome reflects sustained US naval presence combined with targeted strikes that reduced Iran's ability to project power over the chokepoint. Oil prices had started near 72 dollars per barrel before the disruptions; restored flows now ease pressure on worldwide energy supplies.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent linked the blockade to broader economic measures under Operation Economic Outcast. The approach aims to limit Iran's revenue while keeping energy markets supplied from other sources. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth credited the service members who completed the mine clearance under hazardous conditions.

Data from the operation shows consistent results: zero Iranian barrels exported and steady volumes reaching buyers. This pattern aligns with historical evidence that control of key sea lanes rests on enforcement rather than declarations alone. Iran's earlier strategy of mining and threats produced short-term leverage that proved unsustainable once met with direct countermeasures.

The cleared routes now support regular traffic without renewed mine threats in the designated lanes. US officials report the Iranian response has remained muted, consistent with reduced capacity after repeated losses of equipment and personnel. Continued monitoring will determine whether the current level of access holds as economic pressures on Iran accumulate.