Washington: The United States has begun deploying military assets to support mine-clearing operations in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, with two US destroyers transiting the waterway ahead of the effort, marking the first such move since the war began.
US President Donald Trump said the operation was underway regardless of diplomatic outcomes, stating, “We’re sweeping the strait. Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me,” as negotiations continued into early Sunday.
However, Iran’s state media reported that the country’s joint military command denied the US claims.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil typically passes — over 100 ships daily — has emerged as Iran’s most significant strategic leverage in the conflict. Since the ceasefire, only 12 vessels have reportedly transited the route.
On Saturday, Trump said on social media that the US had begun “clearing out” the strait. US Central Command chief Brad Cooper later confirmed that efforts were underway to establish a secure maritime passage, adding that the route would soon be shared with the global shipping industry.
The US military also said additional forces, including underwater drones, would join the clearance operations in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was entering negotiations with “deep distrust” following earlier strikes on Iran during previous rounds of talks. He warned that Iran was prepared to retaliate if attacked again.
Ahead of the negotiations, Iran proposed a 10-point plan calling for a guaranteed end to the war and seeking control over the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal also included halting hostilities against Iran’s regional allies, specifically demanding an end to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah.
In contrast, the United States presented a 15-point proposal focused on restricting Iran’s nuclear programme and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to normal maritime traffic.
With PTI inputs