Middle East Crisis Strait of Hormuz

British divers ready for mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz

British military divers have begun preparing to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, writes Politico. Britain has also said that the country may also send mine clearance equipment as part of an international effort to make the strait safe.

However, a sustainable ceasefire is required for the operation to begin, London has announced. The plans for an international operation are being led by Britain together with France. However, there are different opinions among the participating countries about what role the United States should play.

The White House, for its part, has said that it does not need European help, and Donald Trump has condemned the British navy's equipment as "toys".

A report from the Pentagon that the Washington Post has seen claims that it could take up to six months to clear the strait of mines. This means that the economic consequences of the war could linger long after the war itself is over.

Masked Men Board Ship in Iranian Video: “Looks Like a PR Trick”

Iranian state media has published a video purporting to show the Revolutionary Guard boarding a merchant ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The video shows masked men using a rope ladder to climb aboard and then moving around the ship’s corridors. Parts were filmed from the air.

American experts CNN spoke to believe the video is, at least in part, staged.

Carl Schuster, a former captain in the US Navy, does not dispute that Iran has taken control of the ship but does not believe the videos depict the actual course of events.

– There are no crew members on deck, no one running and hiding.

There also does not appear to be any wind or large waves, which is unusual for the Persian Gulf at this time of year.

– It looks like a drill or a PR trick.

Trump on mine boats in Hormuz: "Shoot and kill them all"

The US Navy will shoot to kill boats that lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. That is Donald Trump's new order.

"I have ordered the US Navy to shoot and kill any boat, even small boats, that lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz," the president writes on Truth Social and continues: "There should be no doubt about it."

US minesweepers are already working to clear mines in the Strait, according to Trump.

According to Donald Trump, the US now has total control of the Strait, without backing up the claim with any evidence, according to Reuters. He says that US control will remain "until Iran is ready to make a deal."