Iran War & Ceasefire — 2026-04-11

US Begins Mine Clearance Operations in Strait of Hormuz

CENTCOM deployed guided-missile destroyers USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy to begin clearing sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Admiral Brad Cooper stated forces would establish a new safe passage for maritime commerce. Additional assets including underwater drones are joining the effort. The mines were laid by Iran's IRGC during the conflict, effectively shutting down one of the world's most critical energy transit chokepoints.

Analysis
Starting mine clearance during active negotiations over Hormuz control is a calculated pressure move. If the US establishes a safe transit corridor before any agreement on Iranian sovereignty claims, Tehran loses its primary bargaining chip. The operation also tests whether Iranian forces will interfere, which would collapse the ceasefire and shift blame to Tehran.

3 sources

U.S. Forces Start Mine Clearance Mission in Strait of Hormuz - Naval News
US says two naval ships transited Strait of Hormuz for mine-clearing - Al Jazeera
US military begins clearing Strait of Hormuz, Trump says - Military Times