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Trump says all mines cleared from Strait of Hormuz

August 25, 2026

President Trump announced that the US Navy has cleared all mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that Iran has largely shut down since a Middle East war began in late February 2026. The strait's closure has caused significant oil price volatility, as approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas previously transited through it. Following the expiration of a 60-day negotiation deadline established in a June memorandum of understanding, the US has imposed new economic sanctions on Iran, while simultaneously maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Who is affected

  • Iran (facing US sanctions, naval blockade, and economic pressure)
  • US military forces (conducting mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz)
  • China (as Iran's biggest oil buyer, opposing US sanctions)
  • Oman (serving as mediator and involved in corridor negotiations)
  • Pakistan (participating in regional discussions)
  • US Arab allies in the Gulf (targeted by Iranian retaliation)
  • Israel (targeted by Iranian strikes)
  • Global oil markets and consumers (experiencing price fluctuations)
  • Nations that previously relied on the strait for 20% of world's oil and LNG transit

What action is being taken

  • The US Navy is removing or detonating mines in the Strait of Hormuz
  • The US is maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports
  • The US has announced and is implementing economic sanctions against Iran
  • Iran is keeping the Strait of Hormuz largely closed
  • There is intermittent exchange of fire between the US and Iran
  • Oman, Iran, and Pakistan are holding negotiations about establishing a temporary shipping corridor and future strait management

Why it matters

  • The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas previously transited. Its closure has created wild fluctuations in global oil prices, impacting economies worldwide. The ongoing conflict threatens to escalate into broader regional war, involves major powers including the US and China, and could reshape global energy markets and supply chains. Control of this strategic waterway has become a flashpoint that could determine the balance of power in the Middle East and affect international trade routes critical to the global economy.

What's next

  • Oman and Iran hope to soon announce the establishment of a temporary shipping corridor in the strait
  • Oman is working toward "practical arrangements" to restore safe navigation, with permanent solutions to follow later
  • Planned talks are scheduled between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month
  • Discussions continue on the future management of the strait and framework for a joint mine-clearing operation
  • Iran has indicated it wants to establish full control of the Strait of Hormuz, setting up continued confrontation with the US position

Read full article from source: BBC