US Navy Clears Iranian Mines from Strait of Hormuz

0:00It's April 25, I'm Cory with the story, this is Canada News Today, driven by AI. President Trump just announced the US Navy is sweeping Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz, that key waterway carrying 20% of the world's oil. With a shaky sea spire in place after weeks of war, this move aims to get shipping back on track before global energy prices spike even higher. Experts warned clearing those underwater explosives could drag on for six months, even with top gear on the way. Pentagon briefings told lawmakers the same, though officials like Pete Hegset say they're confident in hitting it fast. Trump's wrapping up the effort threefold and ordering strikes on any mine laying boats. Folks in shipping are spooked, and for good reason, mines are easy for Iran to drop from speedboats or subs, but a nightmare to hunt on the seabed. Scholars like MSALsbury point out the real damage is psychological. Iran doesn't even need to plant them all to keep freighters away, just make, everyone

1:00think they're there. Now the Navy's deploying literal combat ships, divers, and uncrewed vehicles with sonar to zap the threats, plus minesweepers heading from Japan. Insurers are forcing ships to hug Iran's coast under new rules, but that's a specter of danger lingers. As talks resume in Pakistan this weekend, and blockades hold Iran's ports in check, restoring full traffic will test everyone's nerves. Could be a while before the strait flows free again.