The U.S. military announced Thursday that it has cleared Iranian sea mines from internationally recognized transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command (Centcom) Commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated in a video posted to the social platform X that the shipping lanes are now free of the devices, which he said were laid months ago by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The announcement follows nearly six months of war involving Iran, during which time maritime traffic through the strait was restricted. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a key waterway for the oil industry.
The maritime development occurs alongside a broader economic pressure campaign led by the U.S. Treasury Department. On Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a warning for countries to end financial ties with Iran or risk being barred from the U.S. dollar system. This initiative, referred to by the administration as "Operation Economic Outcast," is intended to isolate Tehran’s economy.
If vessel movement remains less restricted as a result of the U.S. military's actions, it could influence global energy prices. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for the oil industry, and the period of restricted traffic contributed to elevated fuel costs.
The U.S. military's action comes as the U.S. Treasury monitors whether international entities comply with the directive to sever financial ties with Iran. No specific deadline for the restoration of pre-war gas prices or full maritime traffic volume was reported.