The United States has begun mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. and USS Michael Murphy, two guided-missile destroyers of the U.S. Navy, have passed through the Strait of Hormuz and conducted operations in the Persian Gulf.
The statement mentioned that this action is part of a broader mission to ensure the complete clearing of the strait from naval mines that were previously laid by Iran.
In the statement, Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of CENTCOM, said, ‘Today we began the process of creating a new transit route and soon we will share this safe route with the maritime industry to encourage the free flow of trade.’
CENTCOM also announced that more U.S. forces, including underwater drones, will join this clearing operation in the coming days.