Ahead of mine-clearing operations, the US military confirmed that two of its destroyers transited the vital waterway in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant development since the commencement of the conflict.
President Trump remarked, “We’re sweeping the strait. Whether we come to a deal or not is irrelevant to me,” during ongoing talks that stretched into the early hours of Sunday.
Contrary to this, Iran’s state media reported that the country’s joint military command refuted these claims.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has been a significant strategic advantage in the conflict. This crucial waterway normally facilitated the passage of approximately a fifth of the world’s traded oil through over 100 vessels daily. However, since the ceasefire, only 12 ships have been recorded transiting the strait.
President Trump announced on social media on Saturday that the US had commenced the process of “clearing out” the strait.
“Today, we initiated the establishment of a new passage and will soon make this secure route available to the maritime industry,” stated US Central Command commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, subsequently.
The US statement regarding the destroyers mentioned, “Additional US forces, including underwater drones, will be part of the clearance operation in the upcoming days.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed Tehran’s participation in negotiations with a sense of “deep distrust” following previous attacks on Iran during talks. Araghchi, part of Iran’s delegation in Pakistan, asserted on Saturday that Iran was prepared to retaliate if subjected to further assaults.
Iran’s pre-negotiation 10-point proposal demanded a definite end to hostilities and sought authority over the Strait of Hormuz. It also included a plea to cease hostilities against Iran’s “regional allies” and explicitly called for a cessation of Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah.
In contrast, the United States’ 15-point proposal outlined measures such as limiting Iran’s nuclear program and reopening the strait for navigation.