Iran Rejects U.S. Claim of Mine-Clearing Operations in Strait of Hormuz
TEHRAN — Iran has firmly dismissed Washington’s assertion that American naval vessels have begun clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the claim a “baseless fabrication” and a deliberate act of provocation.The Iranian military spokesperson stated: “The Strait of Hormuz falls under Iran’s sovereign maritime jurisdiction. No foreign power has been authorized to conduct…
TEHRAN — Iran has firmly dismissed Washington’s assertion that American naval vessels have begun clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the claim a “baseless fabrication” and a deliberate act of provocation.
The Iranian military spokesperson stated: “The Strait of Hormuz falls under Iran’s sovereign maritime jurisdiction. No foreign power has been authorized to conduct any operations in these waters.”
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that full surveillance of the strait remains in effect and warned that any unauthorized naval activity would be met with an immediate and decisive response.
The U.S. had earlier claimed that its naval forces had commenced mine-clearing operations in the strategic waterway, citing concerns over the safety of international shipping lanes. Iran categorically denied any such mines exist and accused Washington of using the pretext to justify a military presence in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply transits daily, has long been a flashpoint in U.S.-Iran tensions. The latest exchange of claims and counter-claims has rattled global energy markets, with oil prices reacting sharply to the escalating rhetoric.
International maritime authorities and Gulf states are closely monitoring the situation as fears of a naval confrontation grow.
