Trump Declares Mines Cleared, Issues Warning
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that all mines have been removed or detonated from the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz, citing information from the U.S. Navy. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned Iran that any ship or boat placing new mines would be "immediately and systematically destroyed."
"I have just been informed by the United States Navy that all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz," Trump wrote. "Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed."
Trump also said the United States, through its Space Force, was watching "every square inch" of the strait and that a "Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement" is in full force and effect.
Ongoing Vessel Attacks and Oil Transit Decline
The announcement comes as commercial vessels continue to face danger in the strait. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a bulk carrier attempting to leave the strait was struck by an unidentified projectile, resulting in one casualty and damage to its engine room. It was the eighth vessel attack in the strait reported by UKMTO this month.
The U.S. and Iran have not conducted air strikes on each other's militaries for weeks, but attacks on vessels in the strait have continued as the two sides vie for control of the narrow maritime passage.
Oil transits through the strait were at about 5 million barrels per day on Monday, down from more than 20 million barrels per day before the war, according to provisional data from shiptracker Vortexa.
Sanctions and Diplomatic Efforts
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled expanded sanctions against Iran on Monday, but stopped short of the most punishing measures and gave no timeline for compliance. He warned that countries and entities financially supporting Iran could face isolation as part of the sanctions campaign.
Iran pledged to fight back against the expanded sanctions, expressing confidence that major trading partners would resist the pressure campaign. Iranian official Abbas Golroo said Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir delivered a message from the U.S. to Iran on Monday, seemingly to revive the political process. There was no immediate comment from the White House or the State Department.
A Pakistani government source said Iran expressed a general willingness to resume peace talks but had concerns about the sanctions.
Additional Statements
Trump also said American forces were monitoring the Iranian nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain through space-based surveillance. He accused Iran of facing a severe internal crisis, alleging that Tehran was failing to pay large segments of its military and using force against protesters.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy shipments, and Trump has repeatedly said he wants to declare it U.S. territory after the war ends, though he has not explained how the United States would claim the international waterway.