The U.S. Navy will begin mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz only if its units are not subjected to fire during the mission.
This was stated by U.S. Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Daryl Caudle during hearings in the House of Representatives.
“Carrying out this task under enemy fire is not feasible,” he emphasized.
Caudle noted that the U.S. Navy possesses extensive technical capabilities for mine-clearing operations in the region, but stressed that the process is both complex and time-consuming.
It was also reported that U.S. intelligence received information in March suggesting that Iran could potentially mine the Strait of Hormuz.
The report further claims that military operations between the United States and Israel against Iran began on February 28, followed by Iranian missile strikes on Israeli territory and attacks on U.S. bases in the region.
It is said that the parties reached a ceasefire on the night of April 8, though subsequent rounds of negotiations reportedly failed to produce results.
The United States is said to have imposed restrictions on Iranian ports and passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran allegedly imposed a blockade of the strait. These tensions are reported to have caused significant volatility in global energy markets.
