WASHINGTON — The Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to international maritime traffic, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed, following a comprehensive operation to neutralize underwater threats. In a detailed video briefing, CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper announced that American military personnel have successfully eradicated Iranian sea mines from the critical waterway, ensuring safe passage for global commerce despite Tehran’s ongoing claims that the corridor remains shut down.
The cleared pathways align with the internationally recognized traffic separation scheme (TSS), effectively serving as a maritime highway with designated, divided lanes to prevent collisions in the narrow passage. According to Cooper, the hazardous removal operation was executed over recent months by a joint task force comprising Navy divers, Navy SEALs, and integrated air support from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. These forces systematically dismantled the minefields originally deployed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
This military milestone has directly supported global energy stability. Over the past several months, U.S. forces have provided coordinated protection for nearly 1,500 commercial vessels navigating the strait. These ships have successfully transported approximately 750 million barrels of crude oil to international markets, a massive volume that underscores the strategic importance of keeping the channel secure.
Simultaneously, a robust naval blockade against Iranian ports, reinstated in mid-July, remains firmly in place. Cooper highlighted that roughly 50,000 U.S. troops, operating alongside more than 20 warships and hundreds of aircraft, are strictly enforcing these maritime restrictions. As a result, Iran has exported zero oil from its shores since the blockade resumed. U.S. forces have intercepted and redirected at least 75 vessels attempting to violate the embargo, and disabled three ships that refused to comply when directed. Port access has been strictly limited to humanitarian exceptions.
The operational success drew immediate praise from Defense Secretary Pete Hegath, who commended the mission’s execution and highlighted the dedication and professionalism of the deployed sailors, marines, and airmen.
Beyond the maritime domain, the U.S. is intensifying financial pressure on Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant is scheduled to urge international finance leaders at this weekend’s G20 summit to completely sever all economic ties with the Iranian regime. The compounding sanctions are taking a visible toll on the ground: Iran’s currency has plummeted to historic lows, citizens face extensive queues at fuel stations, and the government is reportedly struggling to pay its own military personnel.
Despite the escalating economic strain, diplomatic maneuvering continues in the Gulf. Qatar’s prime minister recently visited Tehran in an effort to broker an off-ramp from the ongoing conflict. However, President Trump has dismissed the urgency of negotiations, stating he is in no rush to meet with Iranian officials and asserting that the current blockade is effectively achieving its objectives.
The protracted standoff, now nearing the six-month mark after initial predictions of a four- to five-week resolution, carries domestic political risks. With domestic fuel prices nearly doubling compared to last year, the extended conflict poses a potential challenge to the president’s standing ahead of the November midterms.
Regional volatility remains high alongside these developments. Recent reports indicate another tanker incident within the Strait of Hormuz, an event the Iranian government brushed aside alongside its rejection of the latest U.S. sanctions. Furthermore, Israel has persisted with military strikes in Lebanon and Gaza, the latter of which recently prompted a stern rebuke from the lead diplomat managing the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in the area. Currently, no formal peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran are on the calendar.
