President Donald J. Trump revealed that Iran, with direct assistance from the United States, has removed or is in the process of removing all sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement marks another significant step toward fully restoring safe commercial shipping through one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
In his latest statement, President Trump posted:
“Iran, with the help of the U.S.A., has removed, or is removing, all sea mines! Thank you!”
This update comes amid rapid progress in US-Iran negotiations, the ongoing Lebanon ceasefire, and efforts to normalise traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Background: Sea Mines Crisis in the Strait of Hormuz
During the escalation of the 2026 US-Iran conflict, Iran deployed numerous naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz as a defensive measure. These mines severely disrupted global shipping, causing a sharp decline in oil tanker and commercial vessel traffic through the waterway, which handles approximately 20-30% of the world’s oil trade.
Reports indicated that Iran later struggled to locate and remove many of the mines it had laid, delaying the reopening of the strait for full commercial use. The United States, leveraging advanced mine-sweeping technology and naval assets, stepped in to assist in clearing the hazardous areas.
Progress Toward Full Reopening
The joint mine-removal effort aligns with recent developments:
- Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared the Strait of Hormuz completely open for all commercial vessels during the remaining period of the Lebanon ceasefire.
- Iranian military officials maintained that military vessels are still not permitted to pass.
- President Trump affirmed that the strait is “completely open and ready for business,” while keeping the U.S. naval blockade on Iran-linked traffic in full effect until the entire deal is finalized.
With sea mines now being systematically removed, shipping companies and energy markets anticipate a quicker return to normal transit volumes using coordinated routes.