U.S. Navy Warships Enter Strait of Hormuz for Mine-Clearing Operations

Two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers, USS Frank E. Peterson Jr. (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), sailed into the Strait of Hormuz on April 11, 2026, conducting vital operations to clear Iranian-imposed sea mines. The operation was revealed by the U.S. Central Command from its headquarters in Tampa, Florida, as the two warships sought to clear the 21-mile waterway responsible for transporting 20% of global oil daily. Iran’s IRGC halted commercial activity following attacks by the U.S. military that raised tensions, but clearance will enable $1 trillion worth of business annually. The need for urgency arises due to 30% of maritime oil transport being held up, causing a price rise of 15%, according to market reports.

U.S. Navy Warships Enter Strait of Hormuz for Mine-Clearing Operations

CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper announced that destroyers sailed successfully to create a passage safe enough for commercial traffic. Limpet mines, belonging to the Maham-class from Iran, are unpredictable when launched into the sea from small boats; they pose a threat to supertankers. Fifth Fleet from Bahrain manages the operation, and LCS is expected shortly for a comprehensive scan with Mk 18 UUV drones.

The operation is a first since 1988’s Tanker War in the Strait of Hormuz. Real-time video shows sonar pings from Peterson on the seafloor.

Iran's Strait Mines Threat and U.S. Countermeasures

The IRGC deployed hundreds of mines post-March U.S. attacks on 44 ships according to Joint Chiefs of Staff intelligence briefings. The mines such as Maham 3/7 deploy themselves via magnetic attachments and explode upon coming into contact with the ship’s hull.

Mines have been likened to garbage and evade detection through radar. However, the destroyer’s AN/SQQ-89 sonar identifies 95 percent of mines. Markets have risen by 5 percent following the clearance.

Global Economic Stakes and Timeline

Strait moves 21 million barrels per day—closure paralyzed Europe, Asian supply. Pakistani contacts happen with VP Vance cautioning against any escalation. Full escort through is anticipated by April 15, CENTCOM.

Support comes from allies like HMS Diamond of UK, Charles de Gaulle of France. Tankers from Saudi Arabia make first passage.

U.S. Navy operations enable free movement at Hormuz during Iran dispute.