US military begins mine clearance in Hormuz: US command

Photo released on July 21, 2019 shows the British oil tanker Stena Impero surrounded by speedboats of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran. [Photo/Xinhua]

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, as two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers conducted operations, the CENTCOM said on social media.

The post on X by CENTCOM said USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

"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," said Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.

Additional U.S. forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort in the coming days, the post said.

However, Iranian media reported that no U.S. vessels have crossed the Strait of Hormuz yet, and a U.S. destroyer turned back from the Strait after Iran's warning.