Trump says all mines cleared from Strait of Hormuz

Key Points:

• US President Donald Trump announced that the US Navy has cleared or detonated all mines in the Strait of Hormuz, warning Iran against placing new mines under threat of destruction.
• The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, has been largely closed by Iran since the start of the Middle East war, causing significant oil price volatility.
• Despite a June Memorandum of Understanding aiming to negotiate control over the strait, talks between the US and Iran have collapsed, leading to renewed sanctions and escalating tensions.
• Iran faces a US blockade and sanctions impacting its economy, but Tehran claims readiness to withstand these pressures, while China opposes US sanctions and vows to protect its interests.
• The US and Iran disagree on control of the strait, with Iran seeking full control and the US insisting it remains international waters; recent negotiations involving Oman have stalled, and Trump has threatened military action against allies obstructing US efforts.