U.S. Central Command announced Saturday that its forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz as negotiations are ongoing between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan.
“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 previously laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
“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,” added Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.
This is the first time U.S. guided-missile destroyers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the war with Iran began.
The USS Frank E. Peterson and the USS Michael Murphy were previously in the Arabian Sea before crossing the Strait.
CENTCOM described the Strait of Hormuz Saturday as “ 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,” it said.
Fox News’ Liz Friden contributed to this report.
Live Updates: Vance, Witkoff, Kushner are in negotiations with Iran in Pakistan | Fox News
Live Updates: Vance, Witkoff, Kushner are in negotiations with Iran in Pakistan
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