Middle East Tension Rise: US Navy starts mine-clearance operations in Strait of Hormuz, Iran denies claims

Middle East Tensions Rise as US Moves to Secure Key Shipping Route: Aiming to keep the vital sea route open, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has begun preparations to clear sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz and has sent two guided missile destroyers to the area, foreign media reported, citing officials. However, Iran immediately denied this claim, the report added.

US Deploys Guided-Missile Destroyers as Part of Broader Mine-Clearance Preparations in the Region

According to CENTCOM, the destroyers USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and are now deployed in the Arabian Gulf. This deployment is reportedly part of broader preparations to remove sea mines that the US says were laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

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"Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce," said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, as quoted by the statement.

Iran Strongly Rejects US Statement, Asserts Control Over Movement of Vessels in Strategic Waterway

On Saturday, a spokesman for the Iranian military's Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarters immediately denied the US statement, as reported by foreign media.

"The claim by the CENTCOM commander regarding the approach and entry of American vessels into the Strait of Hormuz is strongly denied," Al Jazeera quoted the spokesperson as saying. "The initiative for the passage and movement of any vessel is in the hands of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran," it added.

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Why Does the Strait of Hormuz Matter for Global Trade and Energy Supply?

The Strait of Hormuz remains a key global trade route, and CENTCOM said more resources, including underwater drones, will be sent to support the operation in the coming days.

Amid ongoing tensions, movement through the strait has been affected, with only a small number of ships managing to pass at times.

"The Strait of Hormuz is an international sea passage and an essential trade corridor that supports regional and global economic prosperity. Additional U.S. forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort in the coming days," the CENTCOM statement added.

IRGC Issues Warning of Strong Response as Diplomatic Talks Between US and Iran End Without Agreement

Reportedly, the IRGC also warned that any foreign military vessels entering the strait would face a “strong response.”

The developments come as talks between the United States and Iran ended without an agreement. After hours of discussions in Islamabad, US Vice President JD Vance said that while several key issues were discussed, no final deal had been reached.

"We've had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians- that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America."

With ANI Inputs