U.S. Navy begins Hormuz mine clearing as Iran disputes transit rights

U.S. Central Command announced on April 12, 2026 that USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) — Arleigh Burke-class destroyers — had transited the Strait of Hormuz to begin mine-clearing operations. CENTCOM said Iran's IRGC had placed at least a dozen underwater mines, including the Maham 3 moored mine and the seabed-resting Maham 7. Iran disputed U.S. transit authority and characterized the operation as an act of aggression. Additional underwater drones joined the operation within days to support clearance.