Boats are off the coast of Musandam governorate, overlooking the strait of Hormuz, in Musandam governance, in Oman, April 8, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Washington, D.C./Tehran, April 12 (ANI): The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said that two of its ships have begun setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a claim that was immediately denied by Iran, Al Jazeera reported.
CENTCOM stated that the 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 allegedly laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard 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, according to the statement.
On Saturday, a spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters swiftly denied the U.S. 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,” the spokesperson said. “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 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in turn, vowed “a strong response” to any military ships passing through the strait, according to Al Jazeera.
The passage through the strait remains a point of contention between the two countries, as Iran has effectively restricted movement through the Strait of Hormuz, with only a limited number of ships passing 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 U.S.-Iran talks were underway; however, the discussions failed to produce a breakthrough.
After hours of negotiations in Pakistan, talks between the U.S. and Iran reached a stalemate on Sunday, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance stating that no agreement had been reached. He said that while both sides would return to the United States, the outcome was “bad news for Iran” more than for the United States.
Addressing reporters in Islamabad, Vance said that despite 21 hours of negotiations and several substantive discussions, no conclusions were reached.
“We’ve had a number of substantive 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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