US Navy Warships Transit Strait of Hormuz to Begin Mine-Clearing Operation

Two US Navy guided-missile destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first American warship passage since the offensive began.

CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper announced the transit as the start of a mine-clearing operation.

Al Jazeera

President Trump framed the move as a favor to countries around the world.

Iranian military spokesperson told state TV that the initiative for passage lies with the armed forces of Iran.

The transit was not coordinated with Tehran, and the IRGC warned any military vessel would be dealt with severely.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a fifth of global oil shipments.

Iran categorically denied that US warships had entered the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC warned that any military vessel attempting passage would be dealt with severely.

Al-Jazeera Net

Iranian media reported that the destroyers turned around after being confronted by the IRGC.

The conflicting accounts underscored the tension between the two sides even as they engaged in ceasefire talks.

The transit came amid ongoing negotiations held face-to-face in Islamabad.

The two destroyers transited to begin setting conditions for clearing mines.

Additional US forces including underwater drones are expected to join the effort.

The Navy has made major changes to mine countermeasures over the last year.

The mine-clearing operation was a critical step toward reopening the strait.

Trump claimed all 28 of Iran's mine-laying vessels had been sunk.

The operation was not coordinated with Iranian authorities.

Trump announced the mine-clearing operation on social media.

He called it a favor to other countries and insisted Iran was LOSING BIG.

CBS News

The operation was not coordinated with Tehran, and Iranian officials issued immediate threats.

The transit occurred as peace talks were underway in Islamabad.

Trump repeated claims that Iran's military had been severely weakened.