US Forces Clear Iranian Mines in Strait of Hormuz, Reopening Key Waterway

US Central Command said US forces have cleared mines laid by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, which were planted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps months ago.

In a video update posted to X platform Thursday evening, Commander Admiral Brad Cooper called the achievement a "significant milestone" and said "the international shipping lane is open and momentum is building".

He shared a chart of the Strait of Hormuz and said the months-long mine clearance operation was challenging, involving meticulous efforts from units including naval divers, special operations forces, and air power.

"The situation was challenging and dangerous, to say the least, but we got the job done," Cooper said.

Update from the CENTCOM commander:

— US Central Command August ​28, 2026

Cooper said that in recent months, nearly 1,500 vessels carrying about ​750 million barrels of crude oil have transited the waterway. Meanwhile, about​ 50,000 US troops have been enforcing a "highly effective" naval blockade, leaving Iran's oil exports at "zero".

The CENTCOM commander added that as part of a broader regional operation involving over​ 20 warships and hundreds of aircraft, amid heightened tensions with Iran, US operations have forced​ 75 vessels to turn back and rendered three non-compliant vessels inoperable.

"No vessel can enter or leave Iranian ports without our permission, and we only allow vessels to transit on humanitarian grounds," Cooper added.

US Naval Blockade Hits Iran's Oil Exports

This development comes against the backdrop of sustained tensions between the US and Iran that have lasted six months.

According to data from Kpler, the US blockade on Iran's oil exports has severely impacted Iran's oil shipments. Iran's August oil loadings fell to​ 248,000 barrels per day, a stark contrast to the​ 1.85 million barrels per day exported between March and April.

Iran's Mohsen Rezaei told Lebanon's Al Manar TV that any US-Iran understanding on the Strait of Hormuz must include ending military operations in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, as well as an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and a halt to strikes on Syria. He stressed that before Iran can rebuild trust, the US must demonstrate its commitment.

As of press time, Brent crude futures expiring in October fell​ 0.4% to​ $88.17 per barrel, while WTI crude futures expiring in October fell​ 0.5% to​ $83.11 per barrel.

Trump in No Rush to Resume Iran Talks

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has taken a relaxed approach to the timeline for Iran's return to peace talks, saying he is "not in a hurry". The president said he has "no timeline" for Iran to rejoin negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the Trump administration is not interested in restoring the June memorandum of understanding with Iran. Instead, Trump is watching whether his administration's economic pressure campaign against Tehran will succeed.