US Pentagon Plans Mine-Clearing Readiness in Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Ship Seizure Threats, Says Gulf Hindi Report.

Manama, The US Department of Defense has increased mine countermeasure, or MCM, readiness in the Strait of Hormuz following a rise in tensions with Iran in April 2026. A report by Gulf Hindi on April 18 said the Pentagon is preparing to deploy mine-clearing ships and helicopters to keep the waterway open if Iran attempts to lay mines or seize more commercial vessels.

The move comes after the IRGC Navy fired warning shots at tanker _Advantage Sweet_ on April 16 and after Iranian officials warned of “response” to the US seizure of Iranian oil on April 14. While no mines have been found in the strait as of April 19, the US Fifth Fleet says it is taking precautionary steps.

Here is what is known about the mine threat, US mine-clearing assets, Iran’s capabilities, and the impact on Gulf shipping and oil markets.