August 28, 2026 (Bloomberg) – The top US military leader in the Middle East announced that American forces have removed Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after allies of the US showed skepticism about claims previously made by President Donald Trump.
Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of US Central Command, shared in a three-and-a-half-minute video released on Thursday night that “over the past few months, our forces have carefully and quietly” cleared the international shipping lanes of mines. Navy divers, SEALs, and aircraft carried out this operation.
Cooper stated in the video, which included a map and diagram, “The circumstances were tough and risky, but we got it done. The bottom line is that today, international shipping lanes are open, and things are progressing.”
However, US allies have privately indicated that the strait, a vital route for oil, natural gas, and fertilizer from the Middle East, may still be mined. Since the US and Israel started their conflict with Iran in late February, the threat of mines and attacks on commercial vessels has significantly limited shipping in the strait.
According to sources familiar with the situation, there has likely been some progress, although they believe that not all of the estimated 80 to 150 mines placed by Iran have been cleared. These sources requested anonymity to discuss internal assessments.
American officials dismissed this viewpoint. One official, who also asked to remain unnamed, mentioned that the mine count provided was outdated.
On Wednesday, Trump described Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the global market, as “a very functioning strait,” reiterating his claim that no mines remain.
In related news, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the US has facilitated the movement of 130 million barrels of oil through Hormuz over the last two weeks. Bessent is spearheading an initiative to impose sanctions and restrictions aiming to isolate Iran's economy and pressure Tehran to yield.
Throughout the conflict, Iran has maintained that it controls the strait, making it a key issue in the ongoing negotiations with the US. Earlier this week, Iran's military reported reaching a revenue-sharing agreement regarding Hormuz with Oman, located along the strait's southern edge.