On Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that mines are a significant barrier to building trust in the Strait of Hormuz. During a Pentagon briefing that primarily focused on the widening U.S. blockade of I...
On Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that mines are a significant barrier to building trust in the Strait of Hormuz.
During a Pentagon briefing that primarily focused on the widening U.S. blockade of Iran, Hegseth highlighted the threats posed by Iranian mines, ongoing clearance operations, and the risks these mines present to commercial shipping. This marks one of the clearest acknowledgments from the U.S. regarding how mine threats continue to limit shipping activities.
“We are seeing vessels passing through. There are some open routes,” Hegseth stated in response to a question about whether the mine threats had been sufficiently neutralized for easier navigation through the strait. “Transit is happening, but it's much more restricted than anyone would prefer, and with more risks than desired.”
Although Hegseth made it clear that the mine threat is taken seriously, he didn't directly confirm that Iran has mined or is continuing to mine commercial shipping lanes.
He mentioned that President Trump has authorized U.S. naval forces “to destroy any Iranian fast boats that try to lay mines or obstruct passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
“If Iran is placing mines in the water, we will shoot to destroy without hesitation,” he declared.
Hegseth also acknowledged that U.S. operations to counter mines are currently in progress, referencing Trump’s directive for American mine sweepers to clear the strait, which has seen increased efforts.
The topic came up again when a reporter mentioned a leaked Pentagon briefing suggesting that it could take up to six months to clear mines from the strait. While Hegseth did not confirm that timeline, he did not dismiss it either.
“We won't speculate on a timeline,” he said. “However, we are confident in our capability to clear mines we identify in a timely manner. I invite other countries to join this effort as well, and we are monitoring the situation closely.”
Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, added that Iran still has “various smaller boats” that pose a threat and that U.S. forces are ready to deter further mine-laying activities.
These comments come as commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly below normal levels, despite claims of stabilization from political leaders. Maritime security experts have repeatedly warned that merely having a ceasefire or easing blockade conditions won't restore confidence; verified mine clearance and security assurances are likely essential.
This viewpoint was reinforced this week by BIMCO, whose Chief Safety & Security Officer Jakob Larsen stated that shipping is unlikely to return in significant numbers until the waters are confirmed mine-free and safe passage guaranteed.
Hegseth's statements also seemed to challenge the notion that Iranian threats are limited to swarm boats or isolated vessel seizures.
“They are the ones who lay indiscriminate mines,” he noted, accusing Tehran of combining the mining threat with harassment from armed fast boats.
Even as Hegseth highlighted “open paths,” his own comments suggested that the environment for navigation remains managed and dangerous, rather than fully restored.