Seatrade-Maritime: Warning of mines in Hormuz after Trump claimed it was clear

Published by Seatrade-Maritime

The Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) warned of the continued risks of mines in the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump claimed the waterway was cleared of threats.

“The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated,” Trump said in a Truth Social post earlier this week.

Despite these by the US President claim attacks have continued on vessels by Iran and the JMIC continues to warn of mines. “There remained a continued risk of drifting or uncharted mines in and near the TSS, with mine danger areas still active,” it said in its latest advisory issued on 20 August.

There was one confirmed attack in the Strait of Hormuz during the 18 – 20 August reporting period when a rocket strike on the bulker Minoan Dignity on 17 August left one seafarer dead. While just one attack was reported JMIC noted attacks, attempted attacks, and harassment of including UAV overflight, targeted surveillance of merchant shipping, and occasional VHF hailing by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continued beyond that of confirmed reports.

Traffic volumes also remain reduced. “Independent tracking data indicated suppression with single-digit numbers or nil tankers transiting in both directions,” it said.

The threat level in the Strait remains at Severe with deliberate hostile action considered highly likely.