US President Donald Trump has declared the Strait of Hormuz to be mine-free and navigable again. He stated that the waterway is controlled by the USA '100 percent' and noted that although Iran occasionally lays mines, they are located and neutralized.
The Strait of Hormuz is central to global oil trade, with approximately one-fifth of the world's oil demand passing through the passage.
Writing on Truth Social, Donald Trump demanded compensation from Iran for people killed or wounded by roadside bombs and other conflicts, including families of those killed on the USS Cole. He also demanded compensation for the families of hundreds of thousands of protesters killed in Iran over the last 50 years, including 52,000 killed in the last five months.
It will work out. It always works out. It's like a chess game.
Conflicting reports on maritime safety
US Vice President JD Vance stated that work is underway to establish a mechanism for safe shipping, which includes pending mine clearance and Iranian commitments not to attack merchant ships.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains serious due to attacks by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on merchant ships.
According to The Washington Post, Iran may have laid 20 or more mines in and around the Strait, some of which are remote-controlled via GPS technology.
A Pentagon assessment reported by the Washington Post in April suggested it could take six months to clear all mines placed by Iran. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that a six-month closure of the Strait of Hormuz is impossible and completely unacceptable for the Minister — a statement that contradicts the Washington Post’s report on the mine clearance timeline.
Iran's response and regional developments
The Iranian National Security Council demanded an end to US threats, the lifting of the naval blockade of Iranian ports, the withdrawal of US forces from the region, and full financial compensation for war damages as conditions for reopening the Strait.
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Tehran intends to charge fees to merchant ships for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghai stated on X that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent boasted about 'suffocating' Iran through economic sanctions.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on Iran in a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi to enter negotiations constructively to end the conflict.
Leadership and security updates
According to The Washington Post, Iran has appointed six new military leaders, including Ahmad Wahidi as the commander of the Revolutionary Guard.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei delivered a message of 'unity and cohesion' during a recent seven-hour meeting. According to The Washington Post, the Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a public appearance since being appointed supreme leader more than four months ago.
According to The Washington Post, Donald Trump secretly switched from Air Force One to a smaller military jet (Air Force C-32A) following a NATO summit in Turkey due to an Iranian assassination threat. The US has not independently confirmed this report.
US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Donald Trump's handling of the Iran war a 'complete and total failure'.
