Britain and France have finalized plans to lead a multinational mine‑clearing
operation in the Strait of Hormuz within days of a US‑Iran agreement to reopen
the shipping lane. Military planners from several countries are in late‑stage
preparations to join efforts to clear mines laid by the IRGC. President Trump
downplayed the threat on Wednesday, saying US forces have "cleared most of the
mines"; Secretary of State Rubio told senators a day earlier that Iran had
placed mines across much of the Strait. Trump said the waterway would reopen
"immediately" once Iran signs a memorandum of understanding to end hostilities,
but negotiators remain deadlocked over terms and Iran's foreign minister said
Thursday there has been no progress amid Israel's continued offensive in
southern Lebanon.
