Trump claims Strait of Hormuz completely cleared of mines

WASHINGTON, August 10. /TASS/. The Strait of Hormuz has been completely demined and is open to all ships except those heading to Iranian ports, US President Donald Trump said. "They're not admitted into the Strait to go to Iran, but it's open for others now. A little bit complex because they will, on occasion, drop a mine. We find the mines. You know, we've mine swept the entire strait, as you probably maybe heard, maybe you didn't hear, but we control the strait 100%," Trump said. The US and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding providing for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts. However, on the night of July 8, the US resumed large-scale strikes against Iran, accusing it of violating the agreements on the Strait of Hormuz. On August 2, Trump said he had agreed to cancel the planned major strike against Iran to reach a deal with Tehran. According to him, Iran and the countries of the Middle East asked Washington to refrain from the attack, as the parties had agreed on the outlines of a future agreement. On August 5, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that Iran and Oman had agreed on the geographical coordinates of a new route through the Strait of Hormuz. He said the future agreement between Tehran and Muscat does not imply an immediate opening of the strait; this issue depends on the actions of the United States.