Iran rejects US mine-clearing claims in Strait of Hormuz

Tensions have intensified in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s military leadership firmly rejected claims by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) regarding American naval activity and alleged mine-clearing operations in the strategic waterway.

The spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, dismissed the US reports as “untrue and baseless,” stressing that the authority to permit or deny passage through the Strait lies exclusively with Iran’s armed forces.

Separately, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy issued a strong warning, stating that any attempt by military vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz would face a “firm and decisive response.” The force reiterated that only civilian ships are allowed transit under strict regulations, and any violation would be dealt with without hesitation.

The statement comes in response to CENTCOM’s claim that two US guided-missile destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen and USS Michael Murphy had transited the Strait and conducted operations aimed at clearing naval mines and securing maritime routes. US officials further stated that additional forces and underwater drones could be deployed as part of the mission.

US Admiral Brad Cooper also claimed that a “safe passage route” was being established to ensure the free flow of global maritime trade.

However, Iranian officials rejected these assertions outright, insisting that no US military vessels have been granted passage for such operations.

Meanwhile, a report by The New York Times, citing American officials, suggested that Iran itself is facing challenges in locating and managing allegedly deployed naval mines, some of which may have drifted from their original positions, adding to uncertainty in the region.

The report further claimed that neither Iran nor the United States currently possesses the full capability to immediately clear the waterway, particularly amid heightened regional tensions and recent naval damages.

Earlier statements from US officials indicated that the deployment of mines allegedly occurred during escalations involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, using small vessels in the strategically vital corridor.

Former US President Donald Trump also commented that efforts were underway to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though he acknowledged the process would be complex and challenging.

As both sides continue to exchange conflicting claims, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile, raising concerns over global energy security and maritime stability in one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.