Trump says Hormuz Strait clearing underway, claims Iranian mine-laying vessels sunk

WASHINGTON – 11 April 2026: President Donald Trump said US forces “are now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz,” claiming that all Iranian mine-laying vessels have been sunk.

“We’re now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to Countries all over the World, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and many others,” Trump wrote Saturday on his Truth Social.

“The only thing they (Iran) have going is the threat that a ship may ‘bunk’ into one of their sea mines which, by the way, all 28 of their mine dropper boats are also lying at the bottom of the sea.”

The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway along Iran’s southern coast, remains one of the key points of contention in ongoing US-Iran discussions in Islamabad, rare direct talks between the two sides.

Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that the Islamabad negotiations have reached a stalemate over the status of the strait, underscoring persistent tensions despite the diplomatic engagement.