U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is actively using unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to locate and clear naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit chokepoint. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security in the region.
The use of these specialized drones, such as the Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish, allows for the detection and identification of underwater threats with reduced risk to personnel. This technology is deployed by the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, which operates in the Middle East.
While the Strait of Hormuz has been a persistent flashpoint for regional tensions, CENTCOM's recent statements focus on the defensive and routine nature of these mine countermeasure operations. There is no verifiable information linking these specific clearance activities to current ceasefire talks or a specific number of Iranian mines.
