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US-Iran Tensions Flare Over Mine Clearing in Vital Strait of Hormuz

The US Central Command stated that two of its destroyers began operations to clear sea mines allegedly laid by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's military immediately and strongly denied the US claim, asserting that control over vessel passage rests solely with its armed forces. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed a "strong response" to any foreign military ships transiting the strategic waterway. Concurrent diplomatic talks in Pakistan reached a stalemate, with US Vice President JD Vance stating no agreement was reached.

Key Points: Iran Denies US Claim of Clearing Mines in Strait of Hormuz

  • US claims mine-clearing operation
  • Iran denies and asserts control
  • Strait is critical trade chokepoint
  • Talks reach stalemate
  • IRGC vows strong response
3 min read

Iran denies US claims of mine clearing ships' passage through St of Hormuz

Iran denies US CENTCOM's claim of clearing sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, vowing a strong response as diplomatic talks stall.

"The claim by the CENTCOM commander... is strongly denied. - Iranian Military Spokesperson"

Washington DC / Tehran, April 12

The US Central Command said that two of its ships have begun setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and the claim was denied immediately by Iran, Al Jazeera reported.

CENTCOM said that USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

"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.

On Saturday, a spokesperson for the Iranian military's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters swiftly denied the US statement, as reported by Al Jazeera.

"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."

The IRGC, in turn, vowed "a strong response" to any military ships passing through the strait, as per Al Jazeera.

The passage through the strait serves as a bone of contention between the two warring nations, as Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, with just a few ships squeezing through daily.

"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.

The statements came as the US-Iran talks were underway. However, the talks did not yield much.

After hours of negotiations in Pakistan between US and Iran, talks have reached a stalemate on Sunday as US Vice President JD Vance said that no agreement has been reached in talks with Iran. He said that while they would be returning to the US, the development is a "bad news for Iran" than it is for the United States.

Addressing reporters from Islamabad, Vance said that during the negotiations that took place for 21 hours, several substantial discussions were held however, no conclusions were 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."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The US and Iran playing this blame game again. While the US claims to ensure free flow, Iran asserts its control. As an Indian, I'm more concerned about the stability of the region and how it affects our imports and exports. Prices are already high enough!
A
Aman W
Honestly, reading this feels like a script from an action movie. "Underwater drones", "strong response", "stalemate". It's real life, and it affects real people and economies. India must maintain strong ties with all parties and advocate for peaceful resolution.
S
Sarah B
The US statement saying the failed talks are "bad news for Iran" sounds more like public posturing than diplomacy. This kind of rhetoric rarely helps de-escalate. A more respectful tone from both sides might yield better results for global stability.
V
Vikram M
The immediate denial from Iran was expected. The key question is, who is telling the truth about the mines? If the strait is blocked, it's not just a US-Iran issue, it's a global economic crisis. India should be prepared with contingency plans for oil supply.
K
Karthik V
21 hours of talks and no agreement? That's worrying. This stalemate benefits no one. The common citizens in the region, and countries like India which have significant diaspora and trade links there, suffer the most from this uncertainty.

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