US Navy begins mine removal and ship boarding operations near Iranian ports

5 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Apr 24

A third US aircraft carrier and 2,200 additional Marines have arrived in the Persian Gulf, doubling the Marine presence as the blockade continues.
Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely limited due to Iranian sea mines, with oil prices still sharply elevated and the US pressing NATO and Asian allies for more support.
The blockade, initiated after failed peace talks, has become central to the conflict, with the US threatening punitive measures against uncooperative allies and insisting the operation will persist until its goals are met.

Can a new peace plan succeed while a crippling naval blockade of Iran's ports continues?

Why are America's traditional NATO allies refusing to support its naval blockade against Iran?

Beyond military strikes, what is the ultimate American endgame for a post-conflict Iran?

If victory is declared, why is the U.S. military escalating its presence in the Persian Gulf?

With the Strait of Hormuz closed, is a global recession now an unavoidable outcome?

After the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, who is now truly in command of the nation's military?