Washington, Aug. 11 (SANA) U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States had removed naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz, saying the waterway was open for commercial shipping following a U.S. operation to search for and clear mines.
According to CNBC, Trump told reporters that the United States “controls 100 percent” of the strait, adding that U.S. forces had fully swept the area for mines.
Trump said Iran could plant a mine “from time to time,” but added that U.S. forces would be able to detect and remove any such devices.
The U.S. president also called on Iran to pay compensation for damages and casualties that he said Tehran was responsible for, adding that he had instructed his representatives to include the demand in upcoming negotiations with Iran.
Trump’s remarks came as maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained below previous levels, raising concerns over global energy supplies and contributing to higher oil prices compared with pre-war levels.
Earlier this week, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said Iran had planted a large number of mines in the strait at the beginning of the Middle East conflict. He said Washington was working on a mechanism to support safe navigation, including mine removal and obtaining Iranian commitments not to target commercial vessels.
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