U.S. Allies Warn Hormuz Is Still Mined Despite Trump Claim
Allied officials say many of the estimated 80 to 150 Iranian mines may still be in place, complicating efforts to restore shipping confidence.
- On Tuesday, August 25, President Donald Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz "a very functioning strait," but allied officials privately warn the waterway remains likely mined, contradicting US Navy claims of complete mine removal.
- Intelligence assessments suggest mine-clearing is complicated as currents have likely shifted explosives from original positions, including harder-to-detect Maham mines, despite Admiral Brad Cooper reporting in May that US strikes destroyed more than 90 per cent of Iran's estimated 8,000-mine inventory.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi discussed a "temporary joint maritime corridor" for mine clearance on August 25, yet Tehran continues to threaten attacks on vessels attempting passage without its permission.
- The International Maritime Organisation on Wednesday repeated warnings for ships to exercise maximum caution, while Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated late Tuesday that any US de-mining vessels would be "excellent targets."
- Trump's insistence that the strait is safe aims to calm energy markets ahead of November midterm elections, even as fuel cargoes navigate the region less freely than crude oil following Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refiners.
14 Articles
14 Articles
In the Strait of Ormuz, it was not possible to clear all the mines laid by Iran; the demining operation was complicated by the sea currents that moved the mines.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibadi said in an interview with state TV that "nobody except Iran knows the location of these mines"
Allies Refute Trump’s Claim Strait Is Cleared Of Mines
Bloomberg News reports: US allies are privately warning that the Strait of Hormuz is still likely mined, casting doubt on President Donald Trump’s claim that the US Navy has completely removed and detonated explosives laid by Iran. The US is likely to have made some progress in removing mines in international waters, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing internal assessments. But they believe that demining efforts ha…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
