The United States military says its warships are carrying out an operation to clear sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to secure a “safe pathway” for global shipping amid escalating tensions in the region.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said guided-missile destroyers USS Frank E Peterson and USS Michael Murphy are involved in the mission, which follows disruptions to maritime traffic in the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, with nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it before the current conflict.

According to CENTCOM, the operation is intended to restore safe navigation after what it described as increased maritime threats in the area.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had earlier released a navigation map for the strait, advising vessels to follow a revised route and warning of possible mine risks in traditional shipping lanes.

The IRGC said the adjusted route was necessary due to the potential presence of anti-ship mines, urging commercial vessels to avoid high-risk areas.

Military analysts say naval mines are a low-cost but highly disruptive weapon, capable of halting shipping activity even without confirmed deployment, as insurers and shipping operators often suspend operations under perceived risk.

Experts note that Iran is believed to possess a large stockpile of naval mines, including contact, bottom-triggered and advanced “smart” systems designed to target vessels through acoustic, magnetic or pressure detection.

However, the exact location or extent of any mine deployment in the Strait of Hormuz remains unclear.

US officials have said naval operations are focused on identifying and clearing potential threats to reopen safe commercial transit routes.

Mine clearance operations, known as mine countermeasures, are described by military experts as slow and highly complex, often requiring specialised detection systems and escort protection due to ongoing security risks.

The situation has further heightened tensions in the Gulf, where maritime security and energy flows remain under close international scrutiny.