Summary

US begins Hormuz demining with destroyers as blockade disrupts global oil flows Two US destroyers, USS Michael Murphy and USS Frank E. Peterson, went through the strait over the weekend. At least four Iran-linked ships have transited the Strait of Hormuz despite the US blockade, which has shut down access to all Iranian ports and partially sealed the narrow waterway, as the war enters its sixth week. Ship-tracking data showed that the vessels, including the bulk carrier Christianna and tankers Rich Starry, Murlikishan, and Elpis, transited the waterway following the start of the blockade at 10 am EDT on Monday, April 13. The United States Navy shut down the narrow chokepoint linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea after President Trump announced that peace talks led by Vice President JD Vance had collapsed. At least 15 US warships are involved in the operation. Iran had previously restricted traffic through the strait, a route carrying about 20 percent of global oil and LNG supply. It also laid mines in the waterway, but now appears to have lost track of some of them. Demining in effect Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) deployed numerous naval mines in the waterway in early March to enforce a blockade at the start of the conflict with the US and Israel. It warned vessels against transiting after initial strikes. The nation reportedly possessed an estimated 2,000 to 6,000 naval mines, though it is unclear how many have been laid in the strait. After the announcement of the two-week ceasefire, the IRGC released a map of the Strait of Hormuz showing what it said was a safe route for ships to follow through the strait. By April 11, US officials stated that Iran had appeared unable to locate or retrieve a number of the mines. This prompted a rapid US military response to secure the waterway. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) began preparing mine-clearing operations, with two US Navy guided-missile destroyers, USS Frank E. Peterson (DD 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), deployed in the area the same day. “Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,” CENTCOM commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, said in a statement. The US Central Command said the Strait of Hormuz is a key global trade route. The clearance effort will also include additional forces and underwater drones. Shaking global oil markets In a report published on Tuesday, April 14, the International Energy Agency (IEA) noted that global oil demand is set to decline in 2026 due to the war in Iran, which is disrupting supply flows and rattling markets. Demands are expected to fall by 80,000 barrels per day, reversing last month’s forecast of a 640,000 barrels per day increase. The IEA said the blockade is further unsettling global energy security and supplies tied to petroleum. It added that oil demand could plunge even further if the strait remains closed. “In this case, energy markets and economies around the world need to brace for significant disruptions in the months to come,” the report said. The forecast followed after the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and IEA warned countries not to hoard energy or restrict exports, to avoid worsening the crisis. “Demand destruction will spread as scarcity and higher prices persist,” IEA’s report stated. Unless flows resume, global energy markets could face deeper disruptions in the months ahead. “Resuming flows through the Strait of Hormuz remains the single most important variable in easing the pressure on energy supplies, prices and the global economy,” the report stated. Recommended Articles You may unsubscribe at any time. Based in Skopje, North Macedonia. Her work has appeared in Daily Mail, Mirror, Daily Star, Yahoo, NationalWorld, Newsweek, Press Gazette and others. She covers stories on batteries, wind energy, sustainable shipping and new discoveries. When she's not chasing the next big science story, she's traveling, exploring new cultures, or enjoying good food with even better wine. - 1New fruit wash removes 94% pesticides, keeps grapes fresh 15 days at room temp - 2Toyota's new CUE7 robot uses smart vision and control to make precise shots - 3World's first 100% battery-electric cruise ship unveiled with 1,856 passenger capacity - 4First humanoid robot with embodied intelligence for high-risk tasks enters service - 5Chinese firm claims it tracked US bomber jets over Iran during Operation Epic Fury Check our Section! Exclusive content, expert insights and a deeper dive into engineering and tech. No ads, no limits. Check our Section! Exclusive content, expert insights and a deeper dive into engineering and tech. No ads, no limits.