Trump says Hormuz mine-free, warns Iran against new placement

Key facts

• President Trump announced all mines have been cleared from the Strait of Hormuz.
• Trump warned Iran that any new mine placement would result in destruction.
• Iran and Oman are discussing a temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz.
• An oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile near the entrance to the strait.
• The U.S. is redeploying personnel to some Middle East diplomatic missions.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that all mines have been cleared from the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. He issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that any vessel found placing new mines would be immediately and systematically destroyed, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy. This comes as Iran and Oman have been in talks to manage traffic through the strait, discussing a joint temporary navigational corridor. Despite these discussions, an oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile near Oman's Ash Shishah, at the entrance to the strait. The U.S. is also beginning to redeploy personnel to some Middle East diplomatic missions, suggesting a perceived lower risk of conflict escalation. Trump also stated he is not in a hurry to resume talks with Tehran, noting that economic sanctions are proving effective and Iran's economy is falling apart.