Mine Clearing Operations
Two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers, the USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael, transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday to begin mine-clearing operations, according to U.S. Central Command. The operation aims to increase confidence for commercial ships to cross the strait. Additional U.S. forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort.
Iranian Response
The Iranian government reportedly called the crossing a ceasefire violation and threatened to attack the ships, according to state media reports. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Command released a statement through state broadcaster IRIB threatening to deal "severely" with any military vessels transiting the strait. The IRGC added that passage of the strait would only be "granted to civilian vessels under specific conditions." A U.S. official says the U.S. received no such warning.
Ceasefire Talks in Pakistan
Vice President JD Vance traveled to Islamabad for direct trilateral talks with Iran and Pakistan. Vance said that the U.S. had not reached a deal, adding that Iran had "chosen not to accept our terms." The vice president departed Islamabad shortly after the news conference, following what he said was a 21-hour marathon negotiation session. Saturday marked the first time the U.S. and Iran have held face-to-face talks since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
U.S. Rationale
President Trump posted on Truth Social on Saturday that the U.S. was doing "a favor to Countries all over the world" by clearing mines from the strait. He added that all of Iran's mine-laying ships have been destroyed. Trump told reporters early Saturday evening that "We have minesweepers out there. We're sweeping the strait."
Mines in the Waterway
U.S. officials told CBS News in late March that at least a dozen underwater mines had been placed in the waterway. The devices include the Maham 3, a moored naval mine that uses sensors to operate, and a "sticking mine" called the Maham 7 that rests along the seabed until a target passes within range. Both devices are manufactured in Iran. Drones and missiles were also used to stop ships from passing through the Strait.
Economic Impact
About 20% of the world's oil supply is shipped through the strait. Passage of oil tankers and other commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz was all but halted during the six weeks of war. Some maritime traffic has resumed since the U.S. and Iran established a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, though it remains low, according to marine transit data reviewed by CBS News. Henning Gloystein, managing director of energy, industry and resources at geopolitical risk consultancy Eurasia Group, said it would take time to repair oil refineries and other energy infrastructure that have been damaged during the war, and shipping companies that operate oil tankers in the region will need at least two months to resume operations.
The International Maritime Organization chief told Al Jazeera that the world should reject tolls in the waterway.
