U.S. Strikes Clear Hormuz Mines, Iran Disputes Control

The U.S. conducted strikes on the shipping island of Larak in the Strait of Hormuz to deter Tehran from deploying sea mines. CENTCOM described a multi-month operation that cleared Iranian mines from international shipping lanes, with dozens of vessels moving securely under U.S. protection and oil flows beginning to recover, though threats in the region persist. Iran’s IRGC and Iranian officials publicly asserted that the Strait remains closed and under Tehran’s control, disputing U.S. claims of open transit. U.S. and Iranian statements diverge on who truly controls the Strait, with Washington highlighting mine clearance and blockade enforcement while Tehran vows continued closure amid sanctions and regional tensions. The situation has included extensive rhetoric from President Trump about U.S. control of Hormuz and ongoing sanctions, alongside Iranian counterclaims of pricing manipulation and sovereign rights. The ongoing dispute has significant implications for global oil flows, with multiple actors asserting or denying open access to one of the world's busiest shipping chokepoints.