Trump Claims All Mines Cleared from Strait of Hormuz
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Figure caption: Watch: What are these sanctions and who will be affected?
By Paulin Kola and Joe Coughlan
Published 25 August 2026
US President Donald Trump has stated that the US Navy has removed or detonated all mines in the Strait of Hormuz—a vital waterway that Iran blocked at the beginning of the Middle East conflict.
"Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed," Trump asserted on his Truth Social platform.
Iran remains silent on the matter.
The closure of the strait significantly impacted global oil prices. Trump frequently claimed US control over the area, but Iran fired at vessels it accused of transiting without permission.
Approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas transit through the Strait of Hormuz prior to the February 28 conflict, which involved US and Israeli air strikes against Iran.
In response, Iran blocked the strait, leading to a ceasefire aimed at facilitating negotiations. However, this week, the US imposed new economic sanctions on Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning that any nation financially supporting Iran would face isolation.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran, signed in June, set a 60-day deadline to reach an agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz and resolve nuclear concerns—allegations Iran consistently denies. The deadline has passed, leading to collapsed talks and further sanctions from the US.
Iran’s Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh stated Tehran was prepared for the sanctions, predicting another "defeat" for the US. Its economy suffered due to the war and a blockade of Iranian ports maintained by the US.
On Tuesday, China—Iran’s largest oil buyer—opposed what it termed the US’s "illegal unilateral sanctions," promising to take necessary measures to safeguard its rights. This comes ahead of planned talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month. The US might be cautious about potential Beijing retaliation, given the latter’s control over critical minerals essential for high-tech product manufacturing.
Iran aims to regain full control of the Strait of Hormuz, a view opposed by the US and most countries considering it international water with unimpeded transit rights. Until recently, Iran participated in MoU negotiations, seemingly aiming to resolve the dispute.
