Mine-clearing operations launch amid fragile ceasefire and high-stakes negotiations in Pakistan
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The United States has initiated operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with President Donald Trump stating that Iranian military capabilities have been neutralized and that efforts are underway to restore maritime traffic through the critical global shipping route.
In a series of public statements, Trump said Iran’s naval, air, and defense systems had been effectively eliminated. “Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft apparatus is nonexistent, Radar is dead,” he wrote, adding that missile and drone infrastructure had been “largely obliterated” and that long-standing leadership figures “are no longer with us.”
Trump also asserted that Iran’s ability to threaten vessels had been reduced, stating that the primary remaining risk involved sea mines. He said mine-laying vessels had been destroyed and described the clearing operation as a benefit to global trade partners, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany.
U.S. Central Command confirmed that operations to remove mines began April 11, with two guided missile destroyers—USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy—entering the waterway. “Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,” CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement.
The mission is part of a broader effort to secure the strait, which has seen sharply reduced traffic following weeks of conflict. The waterway, located along Iran’s southern coast, is a key conduit for global oil shipments, and disruptions have driven significant increases in energy prices worldwide.
Trump indicated that oil tankers from multiple countries are now being redirected to the United States for supply, writing in a separate post that nations are preparing to “LOAD UP with Oil.” He also emphasized U.S. energy capacity, stating, “We have more oil than the next two largest oil economies combined—and higher quality. We are waiting for you.”
The military operation coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts in Islamabad, where U.S. and Iranian delegations have convened for negotiations following a temporary ceasefire. Vice President JD Vance is leading the American delegation, joined by envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner. Iranian representatives, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, are participating in talks mediated by Pakistan.
Ahead of the negotiations, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the delegation would defend national interests “with all its might” and “engage in negotiations with courage,” according to a statement. Iranian state media also indicated that negotiators would extend their stay only if meaningful progress is achieved, as reported in a post.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the central points of contention in the talks, alongside Iran’s nuclear program and the terms of the ceasefire. Prior to the conflict, the strait handled roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments, but traffic has declined significantly, with only a limited number of vessels passing through during the ceasefire period.
Iran has signaled it may increase control over the waterway, including potential measures affecting transit routes and fees. At the same time, U.S. officials have emphasized the importance of reopening the strait to stabilize global markets and restore energy flows.
Tensions have continued despite the ceasefire. Iranian officials have warned that U.S. naval movements could be treated as violations of the truce, following the transit of American warships through the channel. Reporting from Axios indicated that U.S. vessels entered the strait without coordination with Tehran as part of efforts to reinforce freedom of navigation.
The broader conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties across multiple countries, including Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and Gulf states, while also causing widespread infrastructure damage and economic disruption. Energy markets have responded sharply, with global oil prices rising more than 30% since the onset of hostilities.
Negotiators in Pakistan are working to transition the temporary ceasefire into a longer-term agreement, though competing demands remain. Iran has presented a proposal calling for an end to hostilities, sanctions relief, and control over the strait, while the United States has outlined conditions including restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and reopening of the shipping route.
Security conditions in Islamabad remain heightened, with large deployments of personnel and restricted movement across the capital as talks continue. Officials from both sides have expressed cautious expectations, while acknowledging that the outcome remains uncertain.
The developments in the Strait of Hormuz underscore the interconnected nature of military operations and diplomatic efforts, as both sides continue to test the limits of the ceasefire while negotiations proceed.