The US military announced that two warships are currently clearing mines placed by the Iranian military in the Strait of Hormuz to allow various commercial ships to transit the strait smoothly.
On 11 Apr 2026 GMT+7, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that two US Navy guided-missile destroyers have begun mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, as some vessels still cannot navigate this crucial shipping route despite a ceasefire agreement.
CENTCOM posted on the platform X that the USS Frank E. Peterson and the USS Michael Murphy are transiting the Strait of Hormuz and operating in the Arabian Gulf as part of a mission to ensure the strait is free of mines laid by the Iranian military.
"Today we began the process of establishing new shipping lanes, and we will soon share these safe routes with the maritime shipping industry to promote free-flowing trade," said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.
Although this effort targets the threat of mines, Iran still retains missile-launching capabilities, and the combined threat of missiles and mines makes it more difficult for the US or other countries to protect commercial ships or secure the strait through military means.
Earlier on Saturday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the US is "beginning the process of clearing the area in the Strait of Hormuz to assist countries worldwide."
CNN reported that since the ceasefire agreement earlier this week, only about 30 vessels have been able to transit the strait.