Strait of Hormuz Shipping Routes Cleared of Iranian Sea Mines, CENTCOM Reports

Primary internationally recognised transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz have been successfully cleared of Iranian sea mines, according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). Commercial vessels, including cargo ships, crude oil carriers, and liquid natural gas (LNG) tankers, are now sailing freely through the strategic waterway.

Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of CENTCOM, shared these updates following an aerial survey over the strait. During the flight, he observed dozens of merchant vessels transiting unimpeded, alongside U.S. air and water assets, which included advanced sea drones on defensive patrol.

According to Admiral Cooper, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was entirely absent from the waterway. U.S. forces reported that Gulf partners have been assisted in exporting more than 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil since the summer. Meanwhile, an ongoing blockade has prevented Iran from exporting oil from its ports.

In contrast, the IRGC has dismissed the CENTCOM statements regarding the minesweeping operations. Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi, IRGC Deputy Head of Public Relations and Spokesperson, issued a statement demanding concrete, independent proof rather than media announcements. The IRGC maintained that control of the waterway is determined by physical military presence rather than digital narratives.

U.S. forces continue to coordinate with regional partners and the shipping industry to maintain security and enforce the blockade in the region.

"The security and operational status of critical global trade chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz directly impact international supply chains, energy markets, and logistics costs. For businesses reliant on global maritime transit and commodity imports, geopolitical stability and unhindered commercial shipping routes remain foundational variables in risk management and operational planning." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes