Trump: Mines fully removed from Strait of Hormuz

The U.S.

Navy has cleared all mines from the main shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz , President Trump said on Tuesday.

Why it matters: The clearing, part of a low-key operation the last several months, will allow significantly more oil tankers to transit the strait.

The removal of mines reduces Iran's leverage over global energy markets as well as in any future negotiations with the Trump administration.

It also makes the draft agreement that Iran and Oman have been negotiating for months far less relevant.

What he's saying: "I have just been informed by the United States Navy that all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump added that Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be "immediately and systematically destroyed." He said the U.S.

Space Force is closely monitoring the strait.

"There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect," Trump wrote.

Behind the scenes: Two U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed Trump's announcement and said the U.S.

Navy has cleared the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) — the median lane of the strait that is right between Oman and Iran.

Iran deployed dozens of mines in the median lane during the war, creating a huge danger for ships.

It committed to remove the mines as part of the memorandum of understanding reached over the summer with the U.S.

But the MOU unraveled and the mines were never removed.