Two U.S. Navy warships have transited the Strait of Hormuz at the start of an
operation to clear mines reportedly laid by Iran, according to U.S. Central
Command. The announcement marks the first such transit since the outbreak of
the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran, underscoring the strategic importance of the
waterway.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 11, 2026
The guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen was photographed sailing in
the Arabian Sea on March 18, and it is now one of the vessels involved in the
mission. Alongside it, the USS Michael Murphy has also been deployed.
Together, they form the spearhead of the mine-clearing effort, which CENTCOM
confirmed could soon be reinforced by additional U.S. forces, including
underwater drones.
President Donald Trump declared that Washington had begun “clearing out” the
strait, through which a fifth of the world’s crude oil passes. He described
the operation as a “favour” to countries such as China, Japan and France,
which he claimed “don’t have the Courage or Will to do this work themselves.”
He insisted that Iran is “LOSING BIG!” in the conflict.
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that the mission was aimed at
establishing a new passage through the strait. He added that this safe pathway
would be shared with the maritime industry to encourage the free flow of
commerce.
This initiative is intended to reassure global markets and ensure
that vital energy supplies continue to move unhindered.
The operation represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict,
with the United States taking direct steps to secure one of the world’s most
critical maritime chokepoints. The deployment of advanced naval assets and the
prospect of underwater drones highlights the seriousness with which Washington
views the threat posed by Iranian mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Agencies
